- Saab is recalling 4,400 2010-'11 Saab 9-3s to fix a defective fuel pump that can cause the engine to stall.
- The defective fuel pump may seize and "once seized the fuel pump will no longer operate and must be replaced," said Saab.
- The recall is expected to begin on February 18.
WASHINGTON — Saab is recalling 4,400 Saab 9-3s to fix a defective fuel pump that can cause the engine to stall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"Certain fuel pumps installed as original equipment may have internal components with incorrect specifications," said the NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "The subject fuel pumps can seize, causing the engine to stall, which increases the risk of a crash."
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Saab said there have been no reported accidents or injuries due to this defect.
"The defective fuel pumps may seize, stopping fuel flow to the engine and causing a stall," wrote Gary T. Jones, Saab Cars North America compliance manager. "Once seized the fuel pump will no longer operate and must be replaced. The fuel pump defect is due to a process issue of the fuel pump component supplier, resulting in an out-of-specification internal component in the fuel pump. The component was limited to certain batches of fuel pumps."
Saab dealers will replace the defective fuel pump. The recall is expected to begin on February 18. Owners can contact Saab at (800) 955-9007.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Saab 9-3, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
cincycubfan23 says:
11:17 AM, 01/23/2011
I've heard of issues with BMW, as well as the 2.0L VW common-rail diesel.
quijote_viggen says:
07:51 PM, 01/21/2011
I'm on my third Saab... Never any problems, just be good with the maintenance and they'll easily cross 100,000 miles!!!
xorbe says:
04:22 PM, 01/21/2011
Hasn't this hit a couple other manufs too recently?
itbeatswalkin says:
03:52 PM, 01/21/2011
@apoth3cary
I respectfully disagree with your assessment of Saabs being poorly made. I've had two, a '89 900S and a '99 9-3. Both were well made and durable cars. If it weren't for their uncertain future in the US i would have gladly bought another one.
It seems as though fuel pumps are becoming major items of failure if you review the long term Mustang GT, and BMW's recent woes. I wonder if they are all using the same manufacturer for these parts.
pleary says:
03:41 PM, 01/21/2011
To say Saabs are poorly made is rubbish. How many recalls has toyota (a paragon of reliability) had in the last year. If Saabs where so unreliable you wouldn't see so many of them on the road here in the northeast. People talk about how bad vw's are but after driving them for 24 years I have yet to be stranded or had any major failure.
apoth3cary says:
02:23 PM, 01/21/2011
Saabs are so poorly made, this is not surprising at all.