Saab 93 Recall R/2003/181: Possible Fault In The Locking Mechanism Of The Front Seat Recliner, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 10 Mar 2004
- Launched
- 1,279
- vehicles in the UK
- 15014
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Saab recalled 93 vehicles. The front seat recliner locking mechanism could have abnormal free play which may result in an unsatisfactory locking function. The dealer will check the front seat production number and where necessary install a new seat assembly. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s 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.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE FAULT IN THE LOCKING MECHANISM OF THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER. Defect: 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. Remedy: Check the front seat production number and where necessary install a new seat assembly.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in an unsatisfactory locking function.
The Fix
The dealer will check the front seat production number and where necessary install a new seat assembly.
Are You Affected?
93 may be included. Saab estimates 1,279 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Saab, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Saab.
- Book with any franchised Saab dealer, quoting the campaign code 15014 or the DVSA reference R/2003/181. See how to get a Saab recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93, 95Detachable tow bar may become insecure | Low | R/2003/005 | |
| 900, 93, 95Towball came adrift from towbar | Low | R/2002/093 | |
| 9-3Right hand front seat may not lock correctly | Urgent | R/2010/213 | |
| 9-3Seat belt may not retract | Urgent | R/2004/186 | |
| 9000Possible inadverent deployment of air bag | Urgent | R/1999/054 |
This is one of 25 Saab recalls in DVSA’s data. The Saab recall launched before it was R/2003/057 on 7 Apr 2003, for possible inadvertant deployment of front airbag(s). The one launched after it was R/2004/186 on 4 Feb 2005, for seat belt may not retract. You can also see every Saab recall, all recalls launched in 2004 and seat belt recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/181, launched 10 March 2004. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.