general problems of the 2000 SAAB 9-3

The driver's side, side air bag deployed spontaneously. There was no apparent reason or cause, ie no side impact of any kind, no door slamming or other provocation. The car was parked in a garage for six hours before I sat in the car, closed the door, then blam! temperature was moderate, where as the car is often parked on a city street in direct sun. Air bag deployment was a loud bang followed by smoke from an explosive, and a sting on my neck and shoulder where the bag hit me. Bits of foam from the seat interior, where the air bag was located, blew around the car interior. I suffered temporary hearing loss in my left ear due to the loud bang. I was also quite startled. No other people were at risk. No other air bags have deployed since I've owned the car, approx. 20 yrs. , purchased used. I will consult an authorized repair shop, insurance agent, and a dealer service center for more info. A SAAB dealer service center told me a new replacement air bag would be available from sweden at a cost of $700. That would be in addition to the cost of repairing the seat, door frame panel, and other items. There were no prior dash board or related fault code messages. The car has never been in an accident or impacted in any way to the best of my knowledge (I saw a carfax report at purchase).

While parked and with the engine running the driver's seat airbag spontaneously deployed.

Takata recall: I received a recall notice in March 2016. The SAAB customer assistance center continues to tell me the airbag replacement is not available and "I should not worry because there have been no accidents with SAAB vehicles. " however, I own other vehicles with the same recall, and those manufacturers have been able to obtain the replacement.

I was driving down my neighborhood street going approximately 15mph when my passenger side impact airbag spontaneously deployed causing a loud explosion sound and my passengers side inside door handle was ejected from the door. I had not hit anyone or anything.

My son and his girlfriend were in a serious roll over car accident in her 2000 SAAB hatchback. The car was totaled. None of the airbags deployed, neither front nor side, even though there was substantial impact and damage on front and sides.