Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Saab 9-3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Takata recall. Given that these devices are potentially dangerous, possibly inflicting great harm or death, why are instructions not being given to disable the bags until corrective action has been implemented? The GM dealer I first approached said they were not authorized to disable the bags. The second said the same but added " you know they are fuzed don't you?" . Din my view disabling the bags [whle awaiting the repair should be the option of the owner. Request comment/guidance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Saab 9.3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 66,000. Updated 05/10/16
G.m. Has no information when a safe replacement will be a available. Not acceptable, the older the car is the more susceptible it is for the defect, another death has just been reported in a Honda and g.m. Expects me to drive the car. How many more people have to die because certain companies are allowed to build garbage? I have an idea make them make their cars as safe as a Tesla.
I have called viking Saab and registered on their web site months ago to have my airbag replaced as they are the only authorized Saab place in houston, texas, to replace it. They have not contacted me. I don't know what else to do. When I called there they told me to register on their web site. I did that and nothing has happened.
I received a recall for the subject car back in March 2016. I am being told that they have no idea when they will be able to replace this faulty air bag. I have called several times and they still cannot give me a time frame. I realize that this recall is very large however my daughter drives this car and this makes me very uncomfortable. I have asked if they would supply a loaner car and they said no because they believe that the car is safe to drive. If it was safe to drive why is there a recall. I would like to know what other recourse I have until the replacement parts are available.
Takat recall. Have not been replaced and GM and dealership refuse to provide loaner vehicle. The dealership service rep told me it was still safe to drive the vehicle even though the vehicle has spent 6 years in a hot, humid climate. GM's hotline rep promised a return call from supervisor but no one ever called. I have no vehicle to drive and cannot afford to buy another vehicle; and I can't sell this vehicle because of the defective airbag. NHTSA website says the recall was issued in May but I received my recall notice in March 2016. It has been over six months.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. ..updated 10/18/16 updated 03/14/17
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V063000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V063000 (air bags) and felt that the part expected availability date was unreasonable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Airbag complaints in other 9-3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2010 Saab 9-3?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the air bags of the 2010 Saab 9-3, 73% of the model year's 30 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Saab 9-3 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-063 (inflator module, Feb 3, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Saab 9-3 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.