2011 Saab 9-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Saab 9-3: 3 recalls, 30 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #11V015000 · 2011 · 4,400 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain fuel pumps installed as original equipment May have internal components with incorrect specifications.
Why it matters: The subject fuel pumps can seize causing the engine to stall which increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Saab will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The safety recall began on March 3, 2011.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #14V318000 · 2014 · 28,789 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor May break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted May not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V063000 · 2016 · 113,716 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #11E009000 · 2011 · 4,887 vehicles
What's wrong: The defective fuel pump May seize, stopping the fuel flow to the engine creating a stalling condition.
Why it matters: A vehicle crash could occur should the engine stall while in use.
The fix: Ti automotive will notify owners of record and will replace any defective fuel pump with a new or reworked fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on February 22, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (25): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 Saab 9-3 has 30 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 14 9-3 model years for complaints (well below the 96 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (30 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | 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 2011 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Saab 9-3, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 2011 Saab 9-3 problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (25), seat belts (3), transmission & drivetrain (1).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 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.