2001 Saab 9-3
YS3DF35D312048510
Vehicle record for the 2001 Saab 9-3 (VIN YS3DF35D312048510). Black, hatchback, diesel. Registered in Zaporizhzhia. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 4 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report electrical system trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN YS3DF35D312048510, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 4 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2001 Saab 9-3.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2001 Saab 9-3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 Saab 9-3 — ranges cover the 6 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE Closed
ON NOVEMBER 19, 2004 GM NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS IN APPROXIMATELY 17,400 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 AND 2002 SAAB 9-3 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE UUSIKAUPUNKI, FINLAND ASSEMBLY PLANT BETWEEN MAY 2000 AND JULY 2002 (GM RECALL NO. 14101, NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-557). ACCORDING TO GM, PLASTIC FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED…
NHTSA #RQ05003 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Dec 2005 · closed Apr 2006ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM "CASSETTE" ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. IN 3 INCIDENTS, THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED SMOKE AND/OR FIRE RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE. DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED…
NHTSA #PE05017 · Electrical System · opened Apr 2005 · closed Sep 2005An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 9
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE
Bulletin 08089-B · Electrical System, Equipment · Nov 2008BUICK\CADILLAC\CHEVROLET\GMC\HUMMER\OLDSMOBILE\PONTIAC\SAAB\SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. FCC RULED IN 2002 WIRELESS CARRIERS WOULD NO LONGER RE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT…
Bulletin 08-089 · Equipment · Jun 2008NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *KB
Bulletin 2102554 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2006REDUCED PERFORMANCE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES FOR THE TURBO CONTROL VALVE. *EH
Bulletin 2912494 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2004NEW FAULT DIAGNOSIS FOR IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE, TRIONIC 7. *TT
Bulletin 2482427 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2004ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT
Bulletin 632 · Suspension · Dec 2002ON SOME VIGGEN MODELS FROM M99 TO M01 VIN 17016680, THE OUTER BRACKETS OF THE REAR SPOILER CAN WARP, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO VIBRATE AND RATTLE. *TT
Bulletin 8452282 · Structure · Sep 2001SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS UP TO AND INCLUDING VIN 17004113 MAY EXHIBIT A SOFT TOP THAT MAY STOP HALFWAY DURING CLOSING OR OPENING AND THE SID UNIT SHOWS A CHECK SOFT TOP MESSAGE. *TT
Bulletin 8112295 · Structure · Jul 2001SUBJECT REGARDING NEW UPDATE KIT FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *TT
Bulletin 471 · Power Train · Mar 2001Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 9-3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2001 Saab 9-3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
On certain Saab 9-3 convertible and 9-3 Viggen vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure…
Transport Canada #2006095 · Apr 2006Electrical
Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the Isolated Gated Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) within the Ignition Discharge Module (IDM) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads. Overheating of the IGBT occurs most o…
Transport Canada #2005271 · Sep 2005Fuel System
On certain Saab 9-3 convertible and 9-3 Viggen vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure…
Transport Canada #2004427 · Dec 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Saab 9-3
The Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car initially developed and manufactured by the Swedish automaker Saab.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
NHTSA Campaign #06V126000 · manufacturer #06033 · 20/04/2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEI
NHTSA Campaign #05V399000 · manufacturer #15021 · 14/09/2005FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
NHTSA Campaign #04V557000 · manufacturer #15018 · 19/11/2004AIR BAGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB
NHTSA Campaign #01V168000 · 18/05/2001Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Saab 9-3, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 3 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 59
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2001 Saab 9-3.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical System) and 06V126000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). …
NHTSA ODI #11627255AIR BAGS
unexpected and unrequested deployment of driver side seat air bag. i was driving the vehicle at a speed of 0-5mph attempting to back the vehicle into a parking spot when the driver seat air bag deployed. a report was made with the local police department. no indicator or failure lights were present, the vehicle is able to be inspected at this time for furthe…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11436277AIR BAGS
I left my home with my daughter in the afternoon to go to the bank and hardware store. I drove to the bank to make a deposit. We had to wait for quite awhile in the drive-through line at the bank, so I turned off my engine a couple of times rather than having the car idle. After making the deposit at the bank, I pulled out of the bank lot and began driving …
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11417447AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
NO INCIDENT
NHTSA ODI #11320371FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
EXCESSIVE LEAKING. WAS DRIVING ON E-WAY AND ENGINE STOPPED OR SOMETHING OCCURED WHERE IT SOUNDED AS IF THE CAR TURNED OFF. THE BATTERY WAS WORKING BUT, WHEN I PRESSED ON ACCELERATOR IT DIDN'T PROPEL FORWARD. I CAREFULLY STEERED WITH HAZARD LIGHTS TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. IGNITION CRANKS BUT, CAR WON'T TURN OVER. REPLACED DIRECT IGNITION COIL, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR B…
NHTSA ODI #11180926UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN I CHANGED THE BATTERY OF THE CAR KEY, ITS DOORS AND TRUNK STOPPED LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE BELT OF THE GAS TANK WAS BROKEN ALSO. I REPLACED ALSO THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA ODI #10903028ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHILE THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN …
NHTSA ODI #10824221AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
TL * THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER DIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE SPEED WAS 40-45 MPH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 09/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE 7 YEAR OLD PASSENGER WAS RUSHED TO…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10619311+ 51 more complaints on record.
