2005 Saab 9-3 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 23%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the seat belts of the 2005 Saab 9-3, 23% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Nhtsa 14v318000 was a recall for seat belts that fails to retract. When I get into my car and pull it out to fasten it often remains slack. That event caused me to do research and find the recall. But it did not extend to my car which has the exact same problem. It appears to me that the recall was too narrow.”
NHTSA complaint #11202805, filed 2019-04, 130,000 miles“I just purchased a Saab and I noticed I have the driver side seat belt issue someone else complained about. The seat belt has no tension and wouldn't stop my forward momentum in an accident. Searching online I noticed this is a common issue in saabs from around this time and there are recalls on other year models.”
NHTSA complaint #10500971, filed 2013-03, 103,000 miles“My seat belt retractor doesn't work at all. It is very weak and doesn't make the seat belt tight to my chest. Everyone else who has a 2005 Saab have the same problem. I just think if I get in a major accident, it could kill me.”
NHTSA complaint #10472039, filed 2012-08, 93,000 miles“The retractor for the driver side seat belt in my 2005 Saab 9-3 aero convertible broke. This defect is already subject of a recall by GM. I am the original owner, but did not receive notice of this recall. I have contacted GM, the local dealer, and parts distributor several times, and was told that the item is on indefinite back order and is unlikely to be available any time in the future. I believe this significantly compromises the safety of the car and is an attempt by GM to avoid the recall and repairing this safety defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10760460, filed 2015-08, 119,000 miles“Much like NHTSA campaign id number: 14v318000 (GM recall number 14222), the driver's seat belt does not retract. This occurs every time the belt is pulled out. In the event of a crash, the belt would not be close enough to the driver to retract, since it is too loose.”
NHTSA complaint #10816874, filed 2015-12, 120,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V318000Jun 12, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the…Covers: Saab 9-3 2004–2011
Related service bulletins
- 10037184Oct 1, 2011Gm: service bulletin explaining when the safety belts are supposed to lock. *rm updated 12/6/11.
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 2005 Saab 9-3
29 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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