2003 Saab 9-3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 9%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 9% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was driving in the middle lane of the 3 northbound lanes of u.s. 23, the engine suddenly stalled. I was going about 62 MPH. I activated my emergency flashers, shifted the automatic transmission to neutral, and shut off the ignition key. I then turned the ignition key to restart the engine and it restarted. This is about the 5th time this has happened in the past 5 months. This vehicle should be included in gms ignition recall!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10629628, filed 2014-08, 109,560 miles“No warning or signs of anything wrong... One day I am driving down the highway and taking an exit, when my car stalls out on me at 90km and hour, I almost hit the guard rail. This has happened 7 times in the last month where my car has stalled out on me. This happens when I am in neutral and depressing the brake. I took the car to Saab for service, and they said nothing is wrong with the car and let me drive it home. Tonight I almost killed a child on a bike as I slid to a stop after my car stalled on me again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170454, filed 2006-10, 64,000 miles“I would like to report a very dangerous situation that I experienced with my 2003 9-3. After about a 40 mile drive on the freeway, I , along with my wife and daughter, pulled into my friends driveway and heard a loud scrapping noise from beneath my car. I looked underneath the car to find that the right fuel tank strap was hanging down and was only 3 or 4 inches from the ground. The forward bolt had loosened completely out and the fuel pump wiring harness (which attaches to the strap) is keeping it from being even closer to the ground. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182378, filed 2007-02, 52,000 miles“My Saab has had a litany of problems since I have owned the car. It all started with little items. Ignition wouldn't start the car. Head lights burnt out. Dash peeling, door handles discoloring, emergency brake getting stuck and being able to operate my car. Engine warning light because my gas cap wasn't on correct. Steering wheel locking while I was driving. Wheel lock light remaining on while I was driving. Brakes replaced due to factory retro fit. Seat belts being recalled. Computer constantly needing to be replaced so the car would function. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125939, filed 2005-06, 32,000 miles“Vehicle was stalling during acceleration , then fuel pump had complete malfunction .... After replacement, engine has always run poorly and almost always stalls during acceleration. Replaced ignition coil , and it didn't fix problem . I have talked to 4 other Saab 9-3 owners for this model year and 2004 and every one has the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10391911, filed 2011-03, 85,000 milesRelated recalls
- 07V087000Mar 7, 2007On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.Covers: Saab 9-3 2002–2003, 9-5 2001–2005, 9-3 Convertible 2000
Related service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10020690Nov 1, 2006Special coverage adjustment-fuel tank cap.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 4 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 8% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 9 | 9% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 20 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 27% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3
46 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
15 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 29, 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