2004 Saab 9-3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Saab 9-3, 4% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 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.
“Everytime I fill the gas tank to full and I start driving (esp. On a highway), the fuel gauge drops to empty--even though it is full. The, I have to stop the car and turn it on several times before the fuel gauge goes back up to full again.”
NHTSA complaint #10218788, filed 2008-02, 65,000 miles“Filled gas tank and gauge read full. After a few minutes, gauge read empty. Began occurring when going around a corner, but now reads empty immediately after filling. Once 1/8 to 1/4 of the tank is used, gauge reads accurately.”
NHTSA complaint #10534800, filed 2013-08, 93,000 miles“Fuel gauge is normal. I fill the car up completely and then the fuel gauge light comes on and the needle drops to empty. This happens randomly even when the car is filled with fuel.”
NHTSA complaint #10221994, filed 2008-03, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. While driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure occurred intermittently. The fuel gauge on the instrument panel was also functioning erratically while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10443744, filed 2012-01, 100,000 miles“2004 Saab 9-3 convertible. Consumer states issues with fuel tank and sensor the consumer stated the engine light illuminated as well as the greenbox malfunction light due to the vehicle not having the latest software. So, the dealer had to perform the sps of the transmission control module to update to the newest software. The consumer was informed that because he ran the vehicle on low fuel, it shorted out the fuel sensor. The consumer also stated when he first purchased the vehicle, the engine light illuminated due to a faulty fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #10391938, filed 2011-03Related service bulletins
- 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 2004 Saab 9-3
79 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Saab 9-3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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