1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 76,354miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 17 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible. The part named most often is air bags, with 4 complaints (25% of the total), followed by electrical system (4) and seat belts (3). 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 76,354 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags4 25%
- Electrical system4 25%
- Seat belts3 19%
- Engine cooling1 6.3%
- Fuel system1 6.3%
- Steering1 6.3%
- Wheels1 6.3%
Example complaints
Air bags: “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 milesElectrical system: “The check engine light came on while I was highway driving; I parked the vehicle as soon as possible and didn't use it until the mechanic was available. The diagnostic test showed direct ignition failure, the part was replaced with a new part. Being a long-time Saab owner, of several models, I am aware that certain models have associated problems, such as this part.”
NHTSA complaint #10136454, filed 2005-09, 62,360 milesSeat belts: “The contact owns a 1999 Saab 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 10/29/14”
NHTSA complaint #10638470, filed 2014-09, 100,000 milesEngine cooling: “1999 Saab 93 caught fire while on the ohio turnpike. Seems like the fire originated under the hood in the engine compartment. (ohio traffic crash report)”
NHTSA complaint #10209411, filed 2007-11Mileage when problems were reported
27% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 93,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 Convertible FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 9-3 Convertible FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
| 9-3 Convertible FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10029344Feb 1, 2009Body and structure, Equipment. Saab service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Under certain circumstances control module's analogue inputs may produce invalid signal. This means the soft top's control module…
Other model years of the Saab 9-3 Convertible
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 29,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 24 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 12 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 16 | 76,354 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
All Saab 9-3 Convertible model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 4 complaints (25% of the total), followed by electrical system with 4.
Has the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible (9-3 Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 76,354 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 93,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.