In the European service world, Saab airbag failures land on our lifts with regularity. 383 complaints across 12 year-model entries (2005–2011) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 7 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $1,100; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup before you buy. Takata-era inflators are still being recalled. The dealer fixes them free.
ProblemsByVin SAAB / AIRBAGS
12 model-year entries · 2005–2011
Saab airbags problems
383 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Saab vehicles for airbags issues. 1 active recall campaign. See airbags across all makes →
Complaints
383
Recalls
1
Year-models
12
Avg fix
$1,100
10crashes
1fire
7injuries
Worst-affected Saab model-years for airbags Top 12 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2006 Saab 9-3
83 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2008 Saab 9-3
69 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2007 Saab 9-3
64 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2005 Saab 9-2X
41 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2011 Saab 9-3
25 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 moderate
2010 Saab 9-3
21 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2008 Saab 9-5
18 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2009 Saab 9-3
17 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2006 Saab 9-5
13 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2007 Saab 9-5
12 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2005 Saab 9-3
12 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2006 Saab 9-2X
8 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
Active recalls — Saab airbags 1 on file
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
Common questions
How many Saab airbags complaints are on file with NHTSA?
383 complaints across 12 model-year entries from 2005 to 2011. 1 active recall campaigns cover airbags issues across the Saab lineup.
Which Saab model has the most airbags complaints?
The 2006 Saab 9-3 leads with 83 complaints in this category. Next: 2008 9-3 (69) and 2007 9-3 (64).
What does it cost to fix Saab airbags problems?
Independent shops average $1,100 for airbags repairs across the Saab lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Saab airbags recalls?
Yes — 1 active recall campaign covers airbags on Saab vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Saab.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.