Saab/wheel/tire corrosion
Defect Summary
On certain passenger vehicles, if an owner changes their wheels/tires between summer and winter using a steel wheel in the winter and an alloy wheel in the summer, it is possible for rust and contamination to build up on the wheel hub during the steel wheel usage. if this occurs and the contamination is not removed, it is possible that after the tire change service, some of this contamination could flake or grind away resulting in reduced clamping force of the wheel to the hub. over several seasons, it is possible that this reduced force could result in fractures developing in the wheel bolts due to wheel to hub movement.
Safety Consequence
These fractures would result in wheel bolt breakage, allowing the wheel to detach from the wheel hub, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Owners will be contacted by mail and asked whether they change between steel and alloy wheels. if they do engage in this practice, they will be instructed to bring their cars to an authorized dealer. the dealer will remove the wheels, clean any contamination from the wheel and wheel hub, and replace the wheels using new improved bolts with attached washers. owner notification began march 31, 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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Saab Cars Usa, Inc. or involving Wheels.
FAQ: Recall 03V006000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 03V006000?
NHTSA recall 03V006000 was issued by Saab Cars Usa, Inc. on January 13, 2003. It addresses: Saab/wheel/tire corrosion. The recall affects approximately 70,726 vehicles, with the defect involving the Wheels component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Saab Cars Usa, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V006000 or the manufacturer campaign number 15013. 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.