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Electrical systemPart report

2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
33%of 24 total for the year
Median mileage
76,038miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible, 33% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,038 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“After doing some research, I have found that I have spent $494.97 on what was a recall previously, I have a Saab 93 convertible and was driving on the freeway when the engine light came on and started losing power. Took to the dealership and need the di-cassette replaced. On this vehicle I have also had the alternator replaced 3 times in 2 years.”

NHTSA complaint #10229728, filed 2008-06, 78,077 miles

“Driving 70 MPH on highway my 2001 Saab se convertible engine just stopped - all of the dash lights lit up - smoke started coming out of the hood. I, fortunately, was able to pull over prior to being hit by any cars on this 3-lane highway. Previously, I have had my ignition cassette replaced - it seems that it has failed again. In addition, although I have under 50,000 miles on the car (no accidents) I have spent over $4,000 in repairs to date (not counting the numerous times it was in the dealership having repairs done under warranty). …”

NHTSA complaint #10151019, filed 2006-02

“At 75 MPH on a major highway, my car simply shut down, engine would not restart. Had to coast across three lanes of busy traffic to get to shoulder. Car would not restart, burning electrical smell and smoke came from engine. Car was towed to dealership, where failed the cassette was diagnosed. Is still in shop 4 days later. Check engine light has been coming on for 8 months, have been told repeatedly by Saab that it's because I am not tightening the gas cap enough. Check engine light was on, as usual, but I ignored it, as it's on half the time I drive the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10043261, filed 2003-10

“The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. The engine light has been illuminated for 3 weeks. A mechanic stated that there was a problem with the direct ignition cassette failure and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also confirmed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Nhtsa campaign id number: 05v399000 pe05017 NHTSA action number: pe05017 component: electrical system:ignition:module is related to the failure. The contact is concerned about the safety risk and the potential number of units affected per the recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #10281965, filed 2009-08, 74,000 miles

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2002222%
2001833%
2000217%
1999425%

Other parts of the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Fuel system
6 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Tires
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Wheels
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology