CarBrief

NHTSA has 179 owner complaints for the 2006 Saab 9-3, and the biggest group is air bags[1][2]. It also has two recalls, one for a driver air bag inflator that can rupture[3].

179owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
19–23MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 179 complaints for this model year[1]. Eleven mention a crash[1], 3 a fire[1] and 4 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Crashes Median miles at failure
Air bags[2] 87 5 93,000
Brakes[6] 30 3 34,600
Engine[7] 16 1 39,000
Seat belts[8] 15 1 103,927
Electrical system[9] 13 1 30,000
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 10 1 105,000
Steering[11] 8 2 34,000
Suspension[12] 7 1 51,901

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. It is a sample, so treat it as a hint and not as a count of all owners.

The air bag group has the most complaints, but its median mileage is 93,000[2]. Brake complaints have a much lower median of 34,600 miles[6].

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year[4]. Newest first:

Before you buy, ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was done.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates every version as front-wheel drive and lists premium fuel. Numbers below are city / highway / combined MPG and the EPA annual fuel cost. The cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Engine and transmission Convertible Sport Sedan and SportCombi
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd (and Manual 6-spd in the 2.8L row)[14][5][15] 19 / 27 / 21, $3,900 20 / 28 / 23, $3,550
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5)[16][17][18] 17 / 25 / 20, $4,100 19 / 29 / 23, $3,550
2.8L 6-cyl turbo, manual 6-spd[19][20][21] 16 / 26 / 19, $4,350 16 / 26 / 19, $4,350
2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6)[22][23][24] 15 / 26 / 19, $4,350 15 / 26 / 19, $4,350

The 4-cylinder sedan and wagon are the most efficient at 23 combined MPG[5][17][15][18]. The 6-cylinder versions rate 19 combined in every body style[19][22][20][23][21][24].

Engine and size

The EPA lists two engines for this model year, a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and a 2.8L 6-cylinder turbo[14][19]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Convertible[25] 183 in 69 in 56 in 106 in 3,479 lb
Convertible Aero[26] 183 in 69 in 56 in 106 in 3,699 lb
Sedan[27] 183 in 70 in 58 in 106 in 3,175 lb
Sedan Aero[28] 183 in 70 in 58 in 106 in 3,285 lb
SportCombi wagon[29] 183 in 69 in 57 in 106 in 3,175 lb
SportCombi wagon Aero[30] 183 in 69 in 57 in 106 in 3,285 lb

How 2006 compares with other years

1999: 80 complaints, 3 recalls19992000: 62 complaints, 3 recalls20002001: 83 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 46 complaints, 4 recalls20022003: 212 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 207 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 95 complaints, 2 recalls20052006: 179 complaints, 2 recalls17920062007: 155 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 184 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 43 complaints, 2 recalls20092010: 30 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 30 complaints, 3 recalls2011
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 9-3 model year. The 2006 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1999803
2000623
2001834
2002464
20032124
20042075
2005952
20061792
20071552
20081842
2009432
2010303
2011303

Among the 14 Saab 9-3 model years NHTSA lists, 2006 has the fourth highest complaint count at 179[4]. Three years are higher: 2003 with 212, 2004 with 207 and 2008 with 184[4]. The 2007 model year has 155 and 2005 has 95[4].

For recalls, 2006 has 2[4]. That matches 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. It is fewer than 1999 to 2004, which have 3 to 5, and fewer than 2010 and 2011, which have 3 each[4].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them as a rough guide within this one model.

Should you buy a used 2006 Saab 9-3?

Start with the recalls. The air bag inflator recall involves a risk of serious injury or death, and the fix is a free inflator replacement[3]. If the car is a convertible, also check the seat belt retractor recall[13]. Ask for proof that both repairs were done.

Air bags, brakes, engine and seat belts are where owners filed the most complaints[2][6][7][8]. In the small sample we read, brake and coolant tank problems came up repeatedly. A pre-purchase inspection that looks at both is sensible. NHTSA has not rated this car in its 5-Star program[31][32]. If fuel cost matters, the 2.0L turbo sedan or wagon has the best EPA rating at 23 combined MPG[5][17].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Saab 9-3?
By NHTSA complaint count, air bags lead with 87 of 179 complaints, followed by brakes with 30 and engine with 16[1][2][6][7].
Does the 2006 Saab 9-3 have recalls?
Yes, two. One is a driver air bag inflator recall (16V063) and the other is a seat belt retractor recall on convertibles (14V318)[3][13].
What gas mileage does a 2006 Saab 9-3 get?
The EPA rates it from 19 to 23 combined MPG depending on engine and body[14][19][5]. The 2.0L turbo sedan and SportCombi rate 23[5][15].
Is the 2006 Saab 9-3 safe?
NHTSA lists the convertible and 4-door as not rated in its 5-Star program[31][32]. The car has an air bag inflator recall that carries a risk of serious injury or death[3].
Is 2006 a good year for the Saab 9-3?
By complaint count it sits fourth highest of 14 listed years at 179, behind 2003, 2004 and 2008[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 179 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Saab 9-3 (11 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 87 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 16V063, filed February 3, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Saab 9-3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 30 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 16 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 15 complaints name the seat belts component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 103,927). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 10 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 105,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 8 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 7 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,901). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 14V318, filed June 12, 2014: Seat Belts › Front › Retractor. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 9-3 2DR CONVERTIBLE FWD: length 183 in, width 69 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,479 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 9-3 2DR CONVERTIBLE FWD AERO: length 183 in, width 69 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,699 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 9-3 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 9-3 4DR SEDAN FWD AERO: length 183 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,285 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 9-3 SPORTCOMBI 4DR WAGON FWD: length 183 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 9-3 SPORTCOMBI 4DR WAGON FWD AERO: length 183 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,285 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.