CarBrief

Air bags are the largest complaint group for the 2007 Saab 9-3 with 65 complaints, and a driver air bag inflator recall applies to this model year[1][2]. NHTSA has 155 owner complaints on file in all[3].

155owner complaints[3]
2recalls[4]
18–22MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 155 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Saab 9-3[3]. Two mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 4 mention injuries[3]. None report a death[3]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name several parts, so the groups below can overlap and are not meant to add up to the total. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Air bags[1] 65 60,562
Engine[6] 24 73,000
Suspension[7] 24 69,250
Brakes[8] 13 27,690
Electrical system[9] 12 50,500
Seat belts[10] 7 86,992

Here is what owners describe in a small sample of complaint texts we read. Repeated copies of the same text were counted once.

The electrical group has 2 fires and 1 injury[9]. Seats have 5 complaints[11] and speed control has 4[12].

Recalls

Two recalls are on file for this model year[2][13].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists combined ratings of 18 to 22 MPG across the 9-3 Convertible, Sport Sedan and SportCombi[14][15][16][17][5][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo takes premium fuel[14]. The 2.8L 6-cylinder turbo is listed with regular[16]. All are front-wheel drive[14]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Body style and engine Transmission City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Sport Sedan, 2.0L turbo[5][18] Manual 6-spd or Automatic (S5) 19 / 28 / 22 $3,750
Sport Sedan, 2.8L turbo[19] Manual 6-spd 16 / 26 / 19 $3,550
Sport Sedan, 2.8L turbo[20] Automatic (S6) 15 / 26 / 18 $3,700
Convertible, 2.0L turbo[14][15] Manual 6-spd or Automatic (S5) 18 / 27 / 21 $3,900
Convertible, 2.8L turbo[16] Manual 6-spd 16 / 26 / 19 $3,550
Convertible, 2.8L turbo[17] Automatic (S6) 15 / 26 / 18 $3,700
SportCombi, 2.0L turbo[21] Manual 6-spd 19 / 28 / 22 $3,750
SportCombi, 2.0L turbo[22] Automatic (S5) 18 / 27 / 21 $3,900
SportCombi, 2.8L turbo[23] Manual 6-spd 16 / 26 / 19 $3,550
SportCombi, 2.8L turbo[24] Automatic (S6) 15 / 26 / 18 $3,700

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 4-door front-wheel-drive model as not rated[25]. The convertible is also not rated[26]. That means there is no crash-test star score to compare for those body styles.

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and a 2.8L 6-cylinder turbo for this model year[14][16]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars. Weights and lengths are converted from metric[27].

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2DR Convertible FWD[27] 183 in 69 in 56 in 106 in 3,479 lb
2DR Convertible FWD AERO[28] 183 in 69 in 56 in 106 in 3,699 lb
4DR Sedan FWD[29] 183 in 70 in 58 in 106 in 3,175 lb
4DR Sedan FWD AERO[30] 183 in 70 in 58 in 106 in 3,285 lb
SportCombi 4DR Wagon FWD[31] 183 in 69 in 57 in 106 in 3,175 lb
SportCombi 4DR Wagon FWD AERO[32] 183 in 69 in 57 in 106 in 3,285 lb

How 2007 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 recalls20062007: 155 complaints, 2 recalls15520072008: 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 2007 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1999803
2000623
2001834
2002464
20032124
20042075
2005952
20061792
20071552
20081842
2009432
2010303
2011303

NHTSA lists 155 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2007 Saab 9-3[4]. Of the 14 model years listed, four have more complaints: 2003 with 212, 2004 with 207, 2008 with 184 and 2006 with 179[4]. Every other listed year has 95 complaints or fewer[4]. That puts 2007 fifth highest for complaints.

On recalls, 2007 has 2[4]. The years 2001 to 2004 have 4 or 5 each, and 2010 and 2011 have 3 each[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, but comparing years of the same model is a fair rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2007 Saab 9-3?

Among Saab 9-3 model years, 2007 sits in the upper part for complaints, with 155[4]. Air bags lead the complaint list with 65[1], and the driver air bag inflator recall 16V063 applies, so confirm with a dealer that the work was done on any car you look at[2]. In the complaint sample we read, In the small sample of complaints we read, owners described broken front coil springs and sudden brake loss, so a careful test drive and a mechanic's inspection make sense[7][8].[7][8]. If you are looking at a convertible, the seat belt retractor recall 14V318 also applies[13]. This page gives facts, not a buy or avoid call, and it cannot tell you the condition of one particular car.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Saab 9-3?
Air bags have the most complaints on file with 65 of the 155 total[3][1]. Engine and suspension follow with 24 each[6][7].
Does the 2007 Saab 9-3 have recalls?
Yes, 2 recalls are on file[2][13]. 16V063 is for the driver air bag inflator[2]. 14V318 is for the driver seat belt retractor on the Convertible only[13].
How many MPG does a 2007 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA combined ratings run from 18 to 22 MPG depending on body style, engine and transmission[14][15][16][17][5][18][19][20][21][22][23][24].
Is the 2007 Saab 9-3 reliable?
We have no reliability score. NHTSA has 155 complaints for this model year, the fifth highest of the 14 years listed[3][4].
Does the 2007 Saab 9-3 have a crash-test rating?
NHTSA lists the 4-door and the convertible as not rated[25][26].

Facts and sources

  1. 65 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,562). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 16V063, filed February 3, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  3. NHTSA has 155 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Saab 9-3 (2 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  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 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 24 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 24 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 13 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,690). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 12 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 7 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,992). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 5 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 4 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). 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 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for 9-3 Convertible, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 26 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for 9-3 Sport Sedan, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 26 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for 9-3 SportCombi, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 26 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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

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.