BMW 328I vs Saab 9-3
Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
BMW 328I
- Total complaints
- 2,565
- Avg per model year
- 161
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 25
- Most complained year
- 2011 (573)
Top problems: Electrical System, Engine, Air Bags
Saab 9-3
- Total complaints
- 1,345
- Avg per model year
- 103
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 14
- Most complained year
- 2003 (212)
Top problems: Air Bags, Electrical System, Suspension
Complaints by model year
| Year | BMW 328I | Saab 9-3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 573 | 30 | ||
| 2010 | 153 | 30 | ||
| 2009 | 193 | 43 | ||
| 2008 | 239 | 184 | ||
| 2007 | 397 | 155 | ||
| 2001 | 4 | 59 | ||
| 2000 | 112 | 50 | ||
| 1999 | 98 | 64 |
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.