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Electrical systemPart report

1999 Saab 9-3 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
34%of 64 total for the year
Median mileage
76,105miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Saab 9-3, 34% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,105 miles.

Example complaints

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

“Note: this is the exact part and symptom described in NHTSA campaign id number : 05v399000 for 2000-2003 years. 1) I was driving up a hill, and the car stopped driving. 2) once it came to a stop, I could not restart the car. ) the ignition was replaced, and the service center confirmed that it was the same part that is covered in the 2000-2003 recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10148548, filed 2006-01, 102,000 miles

“The direct ignition failed on my 1999 Saab 93. It is not covered under the recall. The service engine soon light came on which alerted us to the problem. My authorized Saab mechanic informed me that it was the wisest course to replace this faulty part before it failed completely. The cost to do so $500 out of my own pocket to replace this inherently faulty part.”

NHTSA complaint #10164493, filed 2006-08, 64,830 miles

“For my 1999 Saab 9-3, base engine, I replaced the direct ignition cassette, at 128,800 miles on the odometer. The part alone was $488 and the total installation cost and parts (including a hose and four spark plugs) was $760. Model years 2000 through 2002 were recalled for this part.”

NHTSA complaint #10286068, filed 2009-10, 128,800 miles

“I believe my 1999 Saab 9-3 should have been included in recent Saab ignition module recalls, my ignition module is no different than the 2000 models, the recent failure of this part involves safety factors same as the 2000 models, replacement cost is over 400.00 and should be reimbursed.”

NHTSA complaint #10153895, filed 2006-03, 15,145 miles

“Direct ignition cassette (ignition discharge module) failed. Engine would not start after being turned off. Car was towed, evaluated, and the ignition discharge module was replaced. The ignition discharge module that failed was identical to the idm that is currently under recall for 2000-2002 model years. I am requesting that the recall be extended to include the 1999 model year. I have retained the failed part.”

NHTSA complaint #10150890, filed 2006-02, 72,550 miles

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201013%
200912%
2008116%
2007128%
2006137%
200599%
2004136%
20034622%
20021438%
20012339%
20002346%
19992234%

Other parts of the 1999 Saab 9-3

Air bags
17 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1999 Saab 9-3

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