Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 10% | 104,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 9% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 8% | 90,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% | 105,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 9% | 74,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% | 93,000 miles |
| 2003 | 20 | 9% | 41,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 13% | 65,000 miles |
| 2001 | 22 | 27% | 67,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 6% | 87,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% | 76,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated with a message indicating a fuel pump failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 104,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact attempted to accelerate from a stop but the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where it was repaired. The contact was later notified that the vehicle was included in NHTSA recall campaign id number 11V015000 (fuel system, other:delivery:fuel pump). The contact stated that he did not receive recall notification until approximately three months after the manufacturer's report date. The failure mileage was 850 and the current mileage was 1,700.
I have owned my 2008 Saab 9-3 for about a year now and I have had an ongoing rough running issue that seems to be getting worse. When I start my car up in the morning it runs very rough. Ihave gotten it diagnosed and it is misfiring dramatically like 6000 on one cylinder and 1081 on another . I have done some research and had this problem diagnosed, several times, as having bad intake valves. After doing more research on this problem, I have come to find this is a rather common issue with this specific year make and model. This is concerning because I have had this repair quoted at over $2500.00. I am very familiar with manufacturer recalls and have been told by multiple dealerships to submit a complaint in order for this problem to be covered under a manufacturer recall due to faulty parts. There is only 80,000 miles on the car!!!!!!!!!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saab 9-3. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, a strong odor of fuel emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact observed fuel leaking from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the fuel pump and it needed t be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11e009000 (fuel system and gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Reached 100K miles, and car began running very rough. Engine light came on and diagnosed as bad ignition coil. Paid for tune-up, ignition coil, and and fuel service. Less than a month later, same issue. Car running fine, then suddenly almost stalls and engine light blinks then stays on - car runs very rough at idle and acceleration. Replaced 2 more coils. Less than one month issue, same issue - car running OK, then just almost stalls and runs rough - engine light blinks then stays on - relaced #5 coil. When diagnosing, service tech advised that issue was likely worse, not maintaining compression - likely required valve job. Have already paid several thousands of dollars on ignition coils and other service to dealership for this issue, now facing large bill for valve job.
My vehicle doesn't start/idle well in the cold due to the air intake manifold bolts slowly becoming loose. **when driving and shifting** the vehicle cannot handle the extra unclean air entering the system and will stall out while going anywheres from 0-60+ MPH, once the engine shuts off all power steering also shuts down. The secondary issue is an acceleration problem because the seals on the air intake valves into the combustion chamber have become faulty resulting in cylinder misfires and a high amount of vibration intermittently while driving, the symptoms come and go with increasing frequency as time goes on. This secondary issue ties into the first issue because of shifting with a standard my vehicle today (12/3/2020) shut off while driving 7 times to and from my job.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saab 9-3. While driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and the engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 11e009000(fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V318000 (seat belts); however, the parts needed were unavailable to perform the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine very rough when starting after cold night. This seems to be a very common problem on the internet for these car models and years, and the official reason is improperly hardened (defective) intake valves. Eventually the car will not run. Repair is about $2500.
Related recalls (4)
Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
Saab is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 passenger vehicles manufactured from June 2010 through December 2010. Certain fuel pumps installed as original equipment May have internal components with incorrect specifications.
Remedy: Saab will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The safety recall began on March 3, 2011. Owners May contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on June 13, 2007.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on May 12, 2006. Owners May contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on March 14, 2005. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel line leakage
On November 19, 2004 GM notified odi of a defect condition that could result in fuel leakage at the fuel pump connections in approximately 17,400 model year (my) 2001 and 2002 Saab 9-3 passenger vehicles built at the uusikaupunki, finland assembly plant between May 2000 and July 2002 (GM recall no. 14101, NHTSA recall no.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saab 9-3 years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (22), 2003 (20), 2008 (15), 2006 (14) and 2004 (9) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Saab 9-3 fuel system problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 11V-015 (fuel pump, Jan 19, 2011); 07V-087 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 7, 2007); 06V-126 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Apr 20, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saab 9-3 fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (17 mentions), followed by the delivery › fuel pump (11).
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.