Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Seat Belts — runs 9.0× the fleet median for that category across the 345 model-years tracked on this site.
207Complaints
6Recalls
10Crashes
2Fires
8Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Seat Belts (32.4% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Seat Belts complaints here are 9.0× the median for that category across the 345 model-years tracked on this site.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 207 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 6 campaigns
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THIS COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO FOLD FORWARD IN A FRONTAL CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
USING A SEAT BELT THAT HAS NOT RETRACTED, AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 93 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BUT THE…”NHTSA complaint 10458119 — filed 05/11/2012 · SEAT BELTS
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER…”NHTSA complaint 10444520 — filed 01/19/2012 · SEAT BELTS
“PUT MY SEAT BELT ON AND IT WOULD NOT RETRACT. DRIVERS SIDE ONLY.”NHTSA complaint 10432712 — filed 10/25/2011 · SEAT BELTS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saab 9-3?
Seat belts issues are the most-reported category, cited in 67 of 207 NHTSA complaints (32.4%), followed by suspension:front (29), suspension (18), air bags (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Saab 9-3 have?
207 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 05V236000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Saab 9-3's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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