Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
05V399000SAAB CARS USA, INC.from 06/01/2001 to 06/30/2002V (Vehicle)10320203/13/2006ODISAAB CARS USA, INC.09/14/200509/14/2005
Defect SummaryCertain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Consequence SummaryOverheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. an interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
NotesSaab recall no. 05087.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
08089-B11/01/200808089-C10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe02/09/2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE
08089-B11/01/200808089-C10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe02/09/2009

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PE05017SAAB CARS USA, INC.04/07/200509/23/2005ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES06V410000
 Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
PE05017SAAB CARS USA, INC.04/07/200509/23/2005ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES05V399000
 Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
PE05017SAAB CARS USA, INC.04/07/200509/23/2005ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES05V399000
 Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
PE05017SAAB CARS USA, INC.04/07/200509/23/2005ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES06V410000
 Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
PE05017SAAB CARS USA, INC.04/07/200509/23/2005ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES06V410000
 Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
PE05017SAAB CARS USA, INC.04/07/200509/23/2005ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES05V399000
 Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
04/01/201198000
 I have a 2002 saab 93 and the dic cassette on those car always good bad. they are defective there was a recall on those cars and i called the dealer and asked them and they said there wasn't no such recall, they denied it because the parts is expensive.
10/22/201077199
 The saab 9-3 2002 stalled suddenly while idling on an exit ramp on the highway. the car failed to restart and had to be towed. the ignition module had been replaced 4 years early as part of a prior recall. the car is current at a gas station and the mechanic has diagnosed that the replaced ignition module has again failed.
05/07/2008799001
 The check engine light came on at approximately 79,900 miles. upon diagnosis by the saab dealer, they said the ignition cassette was failing. replacement was necessary as when the part ceased to function the car would not run. this is the fourth time this part has been replaced. : dates the ignition cassette was replaced -- 6/30/08 (82,903 mi), 3/21/07 (56,231 mi.), 12/15/05 (32,671 mi.), 8/17/04 (18,720mi.). the replaced part is available. *tr
06/13/200750500207/31/2002
 Saab information display (sid) is losing its pixels and is unreadable. this is the second time unit has failed. the first was replaced under warranty in may 2005. sid provides engine information and maintenance updates as well as general information such as time, radio/cd player operation ,and hands free telephone (constar) information. i have not replaced the second unit since it was approximately $400 to replace and required a saab certified technician with special equipment to mate with the car. *ak
06/01/200647300101/01/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated the air conditioner and the defroster has been repaired multiple times due to a sensor problem. the engine was replaced a few months ago but the replacement engine was noisy.
03/19/2005480001
 My 2002 saab 9-3 stalled in traffic and could not be started again. the direct ignition module had burnt out suddenly, and smoke was seen coming out of the connector when i tried to start the car. the module failed with no warning at all, and i was lucky to have been in heavy, but slow traffic. the module was replaced and the car is running. the car has less than 50,000 miles on it, so the sudden failure of such a critical component is surprising and disconcerting. i have little faith that this will not happen again, without any warning.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
03/19/2005480001
 My 2002 saab 9-3 stalled in traffic and could not be started again. the direct ignition module had burnt out suddenly, and smoke was seen coming out of the connector when i tried to start the car. the module failed with no warning at all, and i was lucky to have been in heavy, but slow traffic. the module was replaced and the car is running. the car has less than 50,000 miles on it, so the sudden failure of such a critical component is surprising and disconcerting. i have little faith that this will not happen again, without any warning.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
08/12/2007121000310/13/2002
 This car has died 3 times while driving and required a tow. the first time the ignition module was replaced for free (recall). the 2nd time the car mysteriously re-started before the tow truck arrived. the most recent incident resulted in a tow to the nearest dealer and the (defective) throttle body being replaced at a cost of $714. also, the catalytic converters had to be replaced (non-warranty) after the ignition module (recall). at approx. 118,000 miles the transmission was replaced. *tr
02/11/2006513831
 2002 saab 93, manufacturer refuses to reimburse consumer. *kb the ignition discharge module broke while driving. the consumer had the repairs made before the recall was received. the consumer was assured he would received reimbursement within 60 days (recall 05v399000). *jb
08/08/20052
 2002 9-3 saab stalled on 2 different occasions while driving. *ts the consumer requested reimbursement since he discovered the problem he experienced was recall related. *jb updated
05/16/200559163107/01/2002
 Dt: the consumer was driving slowly suddenly the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to an auto repair facility. they replaced the ignition module. *jb the vehicle stalled suddenly and without warning. the radio and cd player stopped working. the consumer heard tire noise. the vehicle was taken tot he dealer who determined that the tires were cupped and causing the vehicle to pull to the right. the alignment was ok on the front but the rear could not be adjusted, the pirelli tires were changed to yokohama but the vehicle continued to pull to the right. *nm
03/19/2005480001
 My 2002 saab 9-3 stalled in traffic and could not be started again. the direct ignition module had burnt out suddenly, and smoke was seen coming out of the connector when i tried to start the car. the module failed with no warning at all, and i was lucky to have been in heavy, but slow traffic. the module was replaced and the car is running. the car has less than 50,000 miles on it, so the sudden failure of such a critical component is surprising and disconcerting. i have little faith that this will not happen again, without any warning.*ak