Saab 9-3 Convertible Problems by Year
NHTSA has 61 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Saab 9-3 Convertible, across 4 model years (1999–2002). The 2001 model year has the most complaints (24). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Saab 9-3 Convertible years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 9-3 Convertible year: 2001. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2001 9-3 Convertible: 24 complaints, 1 recall
- 1999 9-3 Convertible: 16 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 9-3 Convertible: 12 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Saab 9-3 Convertible problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 16 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Saab 9-3 Convertible model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 9-3 Convertible | 9 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2001 9-3 Convertible | 24 | 1 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2000 9-3 Convertible | 12 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1999 9-3 Convertible | 16 | 0 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
More from Saab: all Saab models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Saab 9-3 Convertible years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (24) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 9-3 Convertible year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Saab 9-3 Convertible?
Electrical System, with 16 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Saab 9-3 Convertible have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.