Saab 9-3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 18,261 Saab 9-3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1997 and 2015.
In a sample of 85 cars, 69.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (14.1% of inspected cars).
3.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Saab 9-3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.1% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 12.9% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 11.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 11.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 5.9% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 5.9% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 4.7% |
| Brake imbalance on one axle too large | 4.7% |
Share of 85 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 8.2% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 2.4% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2.4% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 18,261 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1997 to 2015 |
All Saab 9-3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Questions
How often does the Saab 9-3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 85 cars first registered 2012–2021, 69.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Saab 9-3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (14.1%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (12.9%), spring broken or cracked (11.8%).
Does the Saab 9-3 have recalls?
No recalls are registered with the RDW for this model.
Other Saab models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.