2003 Saab 9-3 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the seat belts of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 6% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My vehicle was covered under a seat belt recall, and was serviced in 2005. I purchased the car used, but according to the previous owner, the seat belt on the driver's side has been broken for at least a year. The replacement did not fix the issue, in this case.”
NHTSA complaint #10509534, filed 2013-04, 87,000 miles“I just bought a 2003 Saab 9-3 vector. After purchasing the vehicle, I noticed the seat belt would not retract properly and did some research on the internet. I then found out about the recall about that exact thing and took the car to an authorized dealer which could perform service. They told me it had already been replaced, and that it would cost a few hundred dollars to do it again, even though there is a recall out on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10362364, filed 2010-10, 49,000 miles“2003 Saab 9-3, seatbelt will not retract properly 1. Seat belt is slow to retract, almost to the point where I have to push it back into the retract system. 2. It fails everytime I enter my car 3. Nothing yet. Saab USA is unwilling to help with the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10267951, filed 2009-05, 60,000 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“The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was still running. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the ignition module. The repairs worked fine for two weeks, then the problem recurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107432, filed 2005-02, 15,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V226000May 11, 2004Some sport sedans were built with seat belt retractors that were damaged during the manufacturing process. If damaged, over time, the automatic tensioning…Covers: Saab 9-3 2003–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10014595Jan 13, 2005Seat belt retractors that may have been damaged during the supplier's manufacturing processing. Recall campaign 15017 front seat belt replacement.
- 10012455Oct 1, 2004Replacement of front seat belt.
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 | 10% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 15 | 8% |
| 2005 | 22 | 23% |
| 2004 | 79 | 38% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 3 | 8% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
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 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 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