DecodedCars2012 Saab 9-3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 20 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 53 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Saab 9-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 32 highway), 6% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 9-3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 9-3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 Sport Sedan FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 32 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 370 |
| 9-3 SportCombi FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 32 / 24 | -3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| 9-3 Convertible FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 32 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 370 |
| 9-3 Sedan AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| 9-3X SportCombi AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -7% | $2,900 | 386 |
| 9-3 Sedan AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 404 |
| 9-3X SportCombi AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -11% | $3,050 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 404 |
| 9-3 SportCombi FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| 9-3 Convertible FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Saab 9-3.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Saab 9-3 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Saab 9-3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Saab 9-3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Saab 9-3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Saab 9-3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Saab 9-3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 9-3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →