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SAAB

SAAB 9-3

The 2012 SAAB 9-3 presents an average reliability profile, underscored by its "Excellent" public rating despite a more conservative LLM score.

Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score

Model-year guides

20122011
Read the 2012 buyer reportCompare all published years
2011 SAAB 9-32011 model

Specifications by model year

Compare the stats that matter

Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.

Fuel economy

EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearCity MPGHighway MPGCombined MPGCity L/100 kmHighway L/100 kmCombined L/100 km
201218282113.078.411.2
201117272013.848.7111.76

Engine, transmission & drivetrain

Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearBody styleCylindersDisplacementFuel typeTransmissionDrivetrain
2012sedan42.0Gasoline or E85Automatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive
2011sedan42.0RegularAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive

Space, dimensions & utility

Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearGVWR
2012Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
2011Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Safety ratings & driver assistance

NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearRated vehicleadasRollovertpms
20122012 Saab 9-3 C FWD———
20112011 Saab 9-3 SW 4WDtpms: standard4standard

Model year reports

2012

Newest
Buyer's guide

The 2012 SAAB 9-3 presents an average reliability profile, underscored by its "Excellent" public rating despite a more conservative LLM score.

ComplaintsRecallsMaintenanceTuning

2011

Buyer's guide

The 2011 SAAB 9-3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.

ComplaintsRecallsMaintenanceTuning
MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

What are the best years for the SAAB 9-3?

Carfocal currently has 2 published 9-3 reports, covering 2011 through 2012. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2012 SAAB 9-3 presents an average reliability profile, underscored by its "Excellent" public rating despite a more conservative LLM score.

Published year coverage: 2011, 2012.

Compare model years

Is the SAAB 9-3 reliable?

There is no single reliability answer for every SAAB 9-3. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2012 saab 9-3 presents an average reliability profile, underscored by its "excellent" public rating despite a more conservative llm score. and the 2012 saab 9-3 can represent good value for buyers seeking a distinctive european sedan, especially if found at a competitive price. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.

2 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.

Check year-specific reliability

What are common problems with the SAAB 9-3?

Carfocal answers common-problem questions in the year-specific reports. Published guides currently cover 2011 through 2012.

Problem patterns will populate as repair-prediction coverage expands.

View common problems by year
Supporting data
Published guides
2
Years tracked
2
Data sources
NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints