Recalls: Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible
2004 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible: faulty backrest release
In December 2003, a recall was issued for 2004 model year Saab 9-3 Convertible’s due to the locking catch of the backrest release mechanism being potentially faulty. If the mechanism was defective and the vehicle was involved in a collision, it could result in the backrest folding (PRA 2003/6642).
2003-05 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible: loss of braking assistance
In August 2005, a recall was issued for 2003 to 2005 model year Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles. In these vehicles, the check valve – part of the brake booster pipe – may deteriorate over time and the driver may experience reduced or no braking assistance (PRA 2005/7993).
2003-11 Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible: seatbelts may not retract
In August 2014, a recall was issued for Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles that were manufactured from 31 July 2003 to 2 March 2011. In these vehicles, the Automatic Tensioning System (ATS) cable within the safety belt retractors may break and the seatbelt may not retract. If the seatbelt was not retracted, there was an increased risk of injury to the occupant during a collision. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range YS3FB79S646000890 to YS3FA7CU6B1311081 (PRA 2014/14246).
2006-11 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible: Takata airbag recall
In April 2018, a recall was issued for 2006-11 model year Saab 9-3 Convertibles. In these vehicles, the front driver’s airbag was produced by Takata and contained phase-stabilised ammonium nitrate without desiccant. Over time, the airbag inflator propellant could absorb moisture and, in the event of deployment, excessive internal pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture. If this occurred, metallic fragments could be propelled through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants; these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16729.
Problems and faults: Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible
- A rough idle and/or low idle speed may be due to the brake booster vacuum hose coming loose from the intake manifold.
- For models with manual transmissions, difficulty shifting into second gear may require the shifter mechanism to be adjusted.
- The air conditioning compressor may fail to engage or fail to disengage due to a faulty thermo contact – this was subsequently available separately from the compressor.
- If the vehicle is turned off while still moving, the key may not come out of the ignition or be turned to the lock position.
- In-cabin temperature variations may be due to a cracked blend door shaft.
- Oil may leak from the timing cover, valve cover or main seal due to excessive crankcase pressure – this requires the installation of ventilation kit.
- Snapping or popping noises from the steering shaft may require removal and reinstallation of steering shaft joints using a thread locking compound on the bolts.
- Banging noises from front suspension when driving over bumps may be due to faulty thrust bearings on the top of the MacPherson struts.
- Reduced engine performance and the ‘check engine’ light illuminating may be due to water leaking into the driver’s side kick panel and causing the acceleration position sensor to short circuit.
