2013 Saab 9-3 problems
Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2013 cars, such as airbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017).
2013 Saab 9-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 3 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.11 fault
What changes compared with the 2012 Saab 9-3
- Score: 6.7 → 6.1
- No longer sold: 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD
- No longer affected by: intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD) and faulty air flow meter on the 1.9 JTD / Multijet (loss of power) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD)
- Starts to be affected by: airbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017) (rest of the car)
Faults outside the engine in the 2013 Saab 9-3
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyAirbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017)European alert 17/2017 (Safety Gate) covers 9-3s built between September 2013 and June 2014 because of an airbag inflator with excess pressure that could release metal fragments and injure occupants. The alert itself warns that it may not affect every car of that type.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionRear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner raceIn January 2006, 571 Saab 9-3s were recalled because the hardening treatment of the inner race of the rear wheel bearing may have been incorrect, which could cause a rolling noise and, in extreme cases, the hub to detach.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesHandbrake cables that deform under load and reduce holdingIn December 2007, 320 Saab 9-3s were recalled because, due to a manufacturing deviation, the handbrake cables could deform under load, giving reduced or no holding. The fix was to replace the cables.
Buying a 2013 Saab 9-3?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2013 cars, such as airbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017).
Is the 2013 Saab 9-3 better than the 2012?
Our score goes from 6.7 in 2012 to 6.1 in 2013. No longer affected by: intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD) and faulty air flow meter on the 1.9 JTD / Multijet (loss of power) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD). Starts to be affected by: airbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017) (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the Saab 9-3?
According to our score, the best are 2012 and 2011 (6.7/10). The year with the worst score is 2005 (5.6/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2013 Saab 9-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2013 cars are: airbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017) (airbags and safety, critical severity), rear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner race (suspension, high severity) and handbrake cables that deform under load and reduce holding (brakes, high severity).
Own a 2013 Saab 9-3? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.