1999 Saab 9-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Saab 9-3: 3 recalls, 64 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #98V139000 · 1998 · 39,313 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The vehicle occupant May not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
The fix: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #99V246000 · 1999 · 5,132 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a new cable and spring assembly.
Equipment Vehicle recall #99V362000 · 1999 · 424 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake reservoir label was omitted. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Owners will be mailed labels and installation instructions.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (22): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), electrical failure (5), warning light on (5).
- Airbags (17): the most common themes are warning light on (3), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (3).
- Suspension (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 1999 Saab 9-3 has 64 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 14 9-3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 96). Complaints peaked in 2006 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 79,570 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (50 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Saab 9-3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Saab 9-3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Saab 9-3 problems?
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (22), airbags (17), suspension (5).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Saab 9-3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.