Vehicle recall R/2003/181

Saab 9-3 recall: Possible fault in the locking mechanism of the front seat recliner.

DVSA recall R/2003/181 names the Saab 9-3. It was launched 10 March 2004. DVSA does not record the build dates for this recall.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2003/181
Launched: 10 March 2004
Issued by: SAAB
Manufacturer reference: 15014
Vehicles: 1,279 across the lines below

What can go wrong

The front seat recliner locking mechanism could have abnormal free play which may result in an unsatisfactory locking function. Because the seat belt is integrated in the seat back failure of the locking mechanism would affect the crash safety protection.

The fix

Check the front seat production number and where necessary install a new seat assembly.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Saab 9-3	not recorded	1,279

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2004/186 Seat belt may not retract 4 February 2005, Saab 9-3
R/2005/021 Fuel pump mounted pipe retaining tabs may fail 4 May 2005, Saab 9-3
R/2003/005 Detachable tow bar may become insecure. 10 January 2003, Saab 9-5, Saab 9-3
R/2002/093 Towball came adrift from towbar 11 July 2002, Saab 9-3, Saab 9-5
R/2002/058 Possible contamination of brake fluid 25 June 2002, Saab 9-3
R/2005/167 Rear axle hub may not be to specification 3 January 2006, Saab 9-3

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources