Saab 9-3 Recall R/2010/213: Right Hand Front Seat May Not Lock Correctly, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 3 Dec 2010
- Launched
- 121
- vehicles in the UK
- 15027
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Saab recalled 9-3 vehicles. It has been established that due to a process problem at a sub supplier the right hand side front seat recliner mechanism may fail. The recall notice describes the fix as: the seat should be inspected and if necessary replaced. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
It has been established that due to a process problem at a sub supplier the right hand side front seat recliner mechanism may fail. This will result in that the back-rest can't be moved back into the locking position. The condition is very obvious but if ignored and the vehicle is involved in a crash the seat belt which is integral to the seat structure will not restrain the occupant as designed.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: RIGHT HAND FRONT SEAT MAY NOT LOCK CORRECTLY Defect: It has been established that due to a process problem at a sub supplier the right hand side front seat recliner mechanism may fail. This will result in that the back-rest can't be moved back into the locking position. The condition is very obvious but if ignored and the vehicle is involved in a crash the seat belt which is integral to the seat structure will not restrain the occupant as designed. Remedy: The seat should be inspected and if necessary replaced.
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 that the back-rest can't be moved back into the locking position.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the seat should be inspected and if necessary replaced.
Are You Affected?
9-3 may be included. Saab estimates 121 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 15027 or the DVSA reference R/2010/213. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3Handbrake may fail | Low | R/2007/170 | |
| 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/2008/188 on 26 Jan 2009, for fuel may leak: fire may occur. The one launched after it was R/2010/214 on 3 Dec 2010, for steering wheel airbag may not perform correctly in a collision. You can also see every Saab recall, all recalls launched in 2010 and seat belt recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2010/213, launched 3 December 2010. 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.