1999 Saab 9-3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 26 of 80 complaints (33%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (11) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,850–3,700 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–21 | 20–22 | 21–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–18 / 23–25 | 17–19 / 23–27 | 18–19 / 25–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–468 | 404–444 | 404–423 | |
| Complaints filed | 80 | 62 | 83 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 5 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 11 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Saab 9-3 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Saab 9-3?
Electrical: 26 of 80 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA rates it 19–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Saab 9-3?
EPA estimates $2,950–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 | 468 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 26 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 99V362000 · Jan 10, 2000
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE RESERVOIR LABEL WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence: WITHOUT THIS LABEL, SOMEONE MAY USE THE INCORRECT SPECIFICATION BRAKE FLUID, GET DIRT INTO THE RESERVOIR, OR ALLOW MOISTURE INTO THE BRAKE FLUID, RESULTING IN LESS EFFECTIVE BRAKING AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
SEATS · Campaign 99V246000 · Sep 23, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. FAILURES OF THE "EASY ENTRY" CABLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER OR PASSENGER MANUAL SEATS CAN CAUSE THE SEAT FORE/AFT ADJUSTABLE MECHANISM TO BE UNLOCKED.
Consequence: SINCE THE ANCHOR POINTS FOR THE LAP PORTION OF THE FRONT SAFETY BELTS ARE ATTACHED TO THE SEAT ASSEMBLY, RELEASE OF THE FORE/AFT LOCKING MECHANISM REDUCES THE RESTRAINT CAPABILITY OF THE SAFETY BELTS IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CABLE AND SPRING ASSEMBLY.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 98V139000 · Jun 30, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence: THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.