2001 Saab 9-3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 31 of 83 complaints (37%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 62 in 2000 to 83 in 2001.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | vs. 2001 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,850–3,700 | 3,250–3,900 | 2,700–3,700 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–21 | 20–22 | 21–22 | 20–24 | 21–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–18 / 23–25 | 17–19 / 23–27 | 18–19 / 25–28 | 17–20 / 26–30 | 18–20 / 27–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–468 | 404–444 | 404–423 | 370–444 | 386–423 | |
| Complaints filed | 80 | 62 | 83 | 46 | 212 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 12 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 17 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
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 2001 Saab 9-3 have?
4 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 2001 Saab 9-3?
Electrical: 31 of 83 NHTSA complaints (37%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA rates it 21–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 Saab 9-3?
EPA estimates $2,850–$3,700 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| 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 | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $3,700 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $3,700 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 | 404 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 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 (4)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 06V126000 · Apr 20, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE · Campaign 05V399000 · Sep 14, 2005
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.
Consequence: OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 04V557000 · Nov 23, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 01V168000 · May 23, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.