SAAB

GM: 2004-’11 Saab 9-3 Convertibles Recalled (28,789) for Seatbelt Problem

General Motors is recalling 28,789 2004-’11 Saab 9-3 convertibles to fix a seatbelt problem, the automaker said on Friday.

The automatic tensioning system cable in the driver’s side front seatbelt retractor could break.

“If the cable were to break, seatbelt webbing spooled out by the driver would not retract,” GM said in a statement. “The convertibles and sedans were investigated at the same time, but the convertible parts were not identical to the sedan parts.

“GM has since learned of customer complaints to the NHTSA for the convertibles.” GM said it is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities linked to the recall.

Dealers will replace the driver’s side retractor in the recalled vehicles.


In addition, GM has issued a “special coverage,” so that if the same repair is required to the passenger-side retractor, it will be covered for the life of the vehicle.

GM also extended the special coverage for passenger-side seatbelt retractors on the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedan from the original 10-year coverage to the life of the vehicle.

This recall is part of a larger GM recall of four vehicles announced by the automaker on Friday covering 581,367 vehicles.

No information about the new Saab recall has been posted on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees vehicle recalls in the U.S.

2004-11 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE

CARS AFFECTED: 28,789 

GM says that in some 9-3 models, the cable that controls the automatic tensioning system for the driver’s seatbelt could break, which would prevent the belt from retracting properly. Should that happen, the seatbelt wouldn’t protect the driver during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.

An identical recall was carried out in 2010 on the Saab 9-3 sedan. The convertible wasn’t included because it uses different parts, but it has now become clear that the parts themselves weren’t the whole problem.

GM says that it will fix the problem by having dealers replace the driver’s side retractor. Although the passenger’s side seatbelt isn’t affected by this recall, GM has issued coverage for that component, meaning that repairs to the passenger’s side retractor will be covered for the life of the vehicle.

14 Comments

  • What steps do those of us affected take? Do we call a local GM dealer and schedule an appointment for our Saab 9-3 convertibles?
    GM’s had so many missteps lately, and even though they’re trying to get out in front of these latest recalls, they’re still providing very inadequate info.

    • In press release>
      Dealers will replace the driver’s side retractor in the recalled vehicles. In addition, GM has issued a special coverage, so that if the same repair is required to the passenger side retractor it will be covered for the life of the vehicle. GM also extended the special coverage for passenger side belt retractors on the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedan from the original 10-year coverage to the life of the vehicle, like the convertibles. GM is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities due to this condition.

  • I have experienced the same problem for a UK SAAB – does this recall apply to SAAB 93 convertibles in the UK ? Where is the place to contact about this ? The driver’s seatbelt is now useless and therefore poses a safety issue whilst also being illegal.

    Regards

    • Yes Peter, you must contact nearest GM-Opel-Vauxhall dealer:

      GM has since learned of customer complaints to the NHTSA for the convertibles. Dealers will replace the driver’s side retractor in the recalled vehicles. In addition, GM has issued a special coverage, so that if the same repair is required to the passenger side retractor it will be covered for the life of the vehicle. GM also extended the special coverage for passenger side belt retractors on the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedan from the original 10-year coverage to the life of the vehicle, like the convertibles. GM is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities due to this condition.

  • I have experienced the problem with my saab 9-3 convertible in the Netherlands. only in my case the retractor allready stopped working. Because of this i contact my saab garage ans as they did not had an official writing from GM of this recall teh instructed me to contact GM
    so i contacted GM US and they instructed me again to contact GM in the netherlands as i was not a citizen of the US
    GM in the netherlands (opel service center) they can do nothing as they did not receive any info from GM USA. and instruct me to contact the saab repair service.
    So you all understand that i have been sent to all differend place but still leading to nothing !!
    Hopefully GM finally also take their responsability for other drivers and not only for the owners in USA and the UK.
    Regards,

  • I have been an importer of Saab, the same problem.
    However, as I knew the situation and forthcoming issue. I suggested to my clients to make an extended insurance policy on the engine, transmission and axle.
    It can do as an additional insured and it is not a big price
    So you can at least somehow solve a big problem.

  • Hi, my seat belt has broken and have had no joy in UK of sorting this issue. No one seams to know about this recall.
    Please help.

    Melanie Mazzei

  • Has anyone reliable information regarding owners of saab 9-3s affected by this in Europe. Motoring press issued a misleading article claiming GM Europe would honour this North American recall through Opel and Vauxhalll dealers but this is sadly not true! I assume that American law has ‘forced’ GMs hand and they are not obliged or willing to assist or support their customers in Europe? Shame on you GM.

  • the local Saab dealerships have no information. They keeping telling us GM has a huge back order and there are no known dates. The cable in our Saab 9-3 broke 2 months ago and we are very concerned with our teenage daughter driving this car with a broken Seat belt.

  • Hi does anyone know if this still applies & does it apply to UK? I have recently purchased a saab 93 aero convertible & the drivers seat belt is totally useless it will not retract at all. I was simply going to replace it with a second hand unit, but little point if this is a manufacturing problem as the problem will return. If any one knows more about this i would appreciate any info. Thanks

  • Dean
    Hi all …I’m having the exact same issue with the drivers side seatbelt. It’s rendered useless!! Has anyone been able to get any info in regards to getting the problem sorted ?? Any info would be extremely appreciated
    Thanks

  • Same problem on my convertible. The car is useless without the drivers seatbelt. Haven’t contacted Opel yet but will do it on Monday. Fingers crossed. Guessing they won’t help me. Situated in Sweden. If somebody knows what to do, please let us know.

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