Model year guide

1999 Saab 9-3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Saab 9-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

1999 Saab 9-3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Saab 9-3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints67
Combined19–21 mpg
Typical price$765

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Saab 9-3 recalls 3

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #99V362000 · 29/12/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE RESERVOIR LABEL WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Seats NHTSA Campaign #99V246000 · 13/09/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CABLE AND SPRING ASSEMBLY.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #98V139000 · 23/06/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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."

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 Saab 9-3 common problems

Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1999 Saab 9-3 MPG & running costs

Combined19–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,617

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1999 Saab 9-3 worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$765
High
$900

From 13 comparable 1999 Saab 9-3 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Saab 9-3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,085
Fuel only$18,085
Per mile$0.24

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.

1999 Saab 9-3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · SE · SE HO
Engines
2.0L

1999 Saab 9-3 vehicles on record

1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78N5X7001034 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55NXX2062813 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78N2X7050692 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55N5X2050729 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55NXX2060267 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOYS3DF75P4X7058105 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOYS3DF75P5X7052085 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD78N5X7053964 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD58N9X2059235 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOYS3DF75P5X7057948 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD75N3X7058827 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58N0X2072238 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58N1X2079697 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD78N7X7003518 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55N9X2053696 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58N8X2026883 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD58N4X2006023

Other Saab 9-3 model years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

1999 Saab 9-3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Saab 9-3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1999 Saab 9-3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saab 9-3?

Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-3 get?

The 1999 Saab 9-3 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 1999 Saab 9-3 worth?

Comparable 1999 Saab 9-3 listings run roughly $600–$900, typically around $765 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.