Saab 9-3 Convertible Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints across the 4 model years of the Saab 9-3 Convertible (1999–2002) that have at least 5 complaints. 2001 has the most, with 24. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (16 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 9-3 Convertible model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 29,500 | 1 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 24 | 70,500 | 1 | 1 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 12 | 95,000 | 1 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 16 | 76,354 | 0 | 1 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system16 28%
- Air bags10 18%
- Fuel system8 14%
- Seat belts6 11%
- Engine cooling6 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain5 8.8%
- Wheels3 5.3%
- Tires3 5.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “Driving along, maybe 20-30 MPH and driver side airbag deploys for no reason (side, not steering wheel airbag). . No crash, no impact, just driving straight and, boom! My left ear is ringing and my left arm is probably bruised.”
NHTSA complaint #11323899, filed 2020-05, 174,183 miles2001: “Had the engine light on for three months then I was driving on the highway yesterday and suddenly the engine wouldn't take gas. I was able to pull over off the highway slowly and it stopped completely after I made the exit. The mechanic told me that I need a new ignition cassette! So dangerous!”
NHTSA complaint #10536926, filed 2013-08, 86,500 miles1999: “I was traveling along on the interstate and all of a sudden the side curtain driver airbag deployed for no reason. It nearly caused me to wreck from the loud pop which blurred my vision as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10749634, filed 2015-08, 158,000 milesOther Saab models
1,345 complaintsSaab 9-5
552 complaintsSaab 900
345 complaintsSaab 9-7X
171 complaintsSaab 9000
132 complaintsSaab 9-2X
121 complaintsSaab Aero
11 complaintsSaab 952
8 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology