Recalls: Saab Mk.2 9-3 sedan
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 sedan
2003 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 sedan: tow-bar and rear bumper distortion
In April 2004, a recall was issued for model year 2003 Saab 9-3 vehicles fitted with a tow-bar. In these vehicles, two nuts were deleted and under certain conditions where a tow-bar was fitted, heavy trailer loads may distort and weaken the rear bumper bar to which the tow-bar was fitted (PRA 2004/6945).
Pre-October 2003 Saab Mk.2 9-3 sedan: front seatbelts may not retract
In May 2004, a recall was issued for Saab Mk.2 9-3 sedans manufactured prior to October 2003. For these vehicles, the front seatbelts could experience a ‘non-retracting’ condition which originated from the two-stage mechanism in the retractor (PRA 2004/6995).
2003-05 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 sedan: loss of braking assistance
In August 2005, a recall was issued for 2003 to 2005 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 sedans. 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).
2006-11 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 Sedan: Takata airbag recall
In April 2018, a recall was issued for 2006-11 model year Saab 9-3 Sedans. 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 Sedan
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 sedan
- 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.
- Water may leak into tail-lights due to a poorly fitting boot gasket.
- Problems with the side windows – such as noisy and/or slow operation, inability to raise or lower and water leaks – may be due to the window support bar twisting or breaking.
Takata airbag recall: 2006-11 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 Sedan
Holden has announced that it will be issuing a recall for 2006-11 model year Saab Mk.2 9-3 Sedan vehicles due to the fitment of Takata airbags. Over time, the propellant wafers in these airbags absorb moisture and – in the event of a collision – this causes overly aggressive deployment of the airbag. If this occurs, metal fragments can be projected throughout the cabin and these pose a serious risk of injury and fatality. Holden’s announcement can be viewed at Holden Media Statement: Takata Airbag Recall.
