Saab 9-3 Recall R/2007/170: Handbrake May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 17 Dec 2007
- Launched
- 320
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2007/170
- DVSA reference
Saab recalled 9-3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing deviation the handbrake cables on certain 9-3s may deform under load. The dealer will replace the handbrake cables with quality assured items. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to a manufacturing deviation the handbrake cables on certain 9-3s may deform under load. Should this occur a reduced or non-existent handbrake force will ensue.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: HANDBRAKE MAY FAIL Defect: It has been identified that due to a manufacturing deviation the handbrake cables on certain 9-3s may deform under load. Should this occur a reduced or non-existent handbrake force will ensue. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the handbrake cables replaced with quality assured items.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: handbrake may fail.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the handbrake cables with quality assured items.
Are You Affected?
9-3 may be included. Saab estimates 320 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 DVSA reference R/2007/170. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3Right hand front seat may not lock correctly | Urgent | R/2010/213 | |
| 9-3Reduced braking performance | Urgent | R/2006/047 | |
| 9-3Rear axle hub may not be to specification | Book soon | R/2005/167 | |
| 9-3Fuel pump mounted pipe retaining tabs may fail | Urgent | R/2005/021 | |
| 9-3Seat belt may not retract | Urgent | R/2004/186 |
This is one of 25 Saab recalls in DVSA’s data. The Saab recall launched before it was R/2006/047 on 17 May 2006, for reduced braking performance. The one launched after it was R/2008/188 on 26 Jan 2009, for fuel may leak: fire may occur. You can also see every Saab recall and all recalls launched in 2007.
Source: DVSA recall R/2007/170, launched 17 December 2007. 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.