2003 Saab 9-3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 7% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my 2003 Saab 9-3 se convertible to the nearby publix supermarket. The car has never been in an accident or hit. I parked it in the lot with the top down and went into the store for approximately 10 minutes. It was a warm dry day in florida about 85 degrees. I came out and put the key in the ignition and turned it to start the car, and the passenger side airbag exploded for no known reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389024, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles“I was driving at about 15 - 20 MPH trying to enter hwy I-75. Upon routine braking,the airbag deployed, causing an accident.after I hit the car in front of me,the second airbag deployed. I am hurt. The vehicle was deemed totalled because the airbags deployed, and taken away.”
NHTSA complaint #10995688, filed 2017-06, 180,000 miles“Airbag malfunction light had come on 4 days prior. I was packed the key was off but still in the ignition. I went to start the car and the side air bags went off.”
NHTSA complaint #10282827, filed 2009-09, 70,000 miles“Was parked when I turned the key to start the car the passenger side airbag and curtain deployed. No crash no impact no nothing just went off Saab does not want to help!”
NHTSA complaint #10266076, filed 2009-04, 70,000 miles“Saab 93 - linear - 2003 - after 71 miles the onboard computer system displayed a warning light and buzzer - air bag malfunction - call Saab dealer. - this was after 24hours of ownership. The vehicle is purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #10008210, filed 2003-02, 163 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 25 | 83% |
| 2010 | 22 | 73% |
| 2009 | 17 | 40% |
| 2008 | 71 | 39% |
| 2007 | 65 | 42% |
| 2006 | 87 | 49% |
| 2005 | 12 | 13% |
| 2004 | 20 | 10% |
| 2003 | 15 | 7% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 4 | 7% |
| 2000 | 10 | 20% |
| 1999 | 17 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3
46 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Saab 9-3
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology