Safety Recall NHTSA · 02V308000 Reported November 14, 2002

Saab/air bag ecu

Saab Cars Usa, Inc. · N/A · 20,476 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
02V308000
Manufacturer Campaign
15012
Manufacturer
Saab Cars Usa, Inc.
Component
N/A
Vehicles Affected
20,476
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
November 14, 2002

Defect Summary

On certain passenger vehicles, the air bag electronic control unit (ecu) is designed to sense and discriminate frontal impact events, command air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployments in a timely manner, and perform continuous diagnostics of the air bag system in the vehicle. due to the possible insufficient sealing of the bottom of an electrolyte capacitor, it is possible for it to leak electrolyte within the air bag ecu. also, in high humidity environments, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner can cause rapid cooling of the ecu, which in turn may cause the formation of condensation with the unit.

Safety Consequence

If this moisture comes into contact with the electrolyte from the capacitor, it forms a highly conductive material that could create an electrical short circuit. this electrical short could trigger the air bags and seat belt pretensioners.

Corrective Action

Dealers will install a new air bag ecu. owner notification began april 4, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Saab Cars Usa, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 02V308000 or campaign 15012.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
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FAQ: Recall 02V308000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 02V308000?

NHTSA recall 02V308000 was issued by Saab Cars Usa, Inc. on November 14, 2002. It addresses: Saab/air bag ecu. The recall affects approximately 20,476 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Saab Cars Usa, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 02V308000 or the manufacturer campaign number 15012. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.