Faulty Side Curtain Airbag Deployment

[9-7XMAN]

My son, designated driver and only passenger, was driving my brand new 2007 Saab 9-7X 5.3i on 8/29/07 in St. Louis, when, all of a sudden, [b]both curtain airbags deployed by themselves. The road surface was smooth, dry, no collision with anything, no pothole or uneven road surface, no tilting of the vehicle wherein, if so, a properly working sensor would then think vehicle was about to flip over, no immediate prior sudden braking. Luckily, my son managed to pull the vehicle over, no accident nor injury. He then proceeded to drive the vehicle to the nearest Saab dealer where it remains, untouched, to this day.

I presume this is the same(?) side curtain airbag system as on the Trailblazer SS, as they are built in the same factory. Waiting on an "independent" engineer contracted by GM to examine the vehicle and make a written report. GM says it will take 10 to 14 business days after inspection for they to make a "determination." I personally haven't reported same to NHTSA yet, awaiting what GM does.

I will keep the forum updated.

[mikeucr]

Which Saab dealer? I live in St Louis and if it is Suntrup, Bob is the service manager. Really good guy, will keep you posted and doesn't mind getting phone calls.

[9-7XMAN]

Vehicle is at West County Saab in Ballwin, MO.

Just got an email back from Steve Shannon, Saab's GM, being that I had emailed him with all incident details. I presume Saab now will get on top of this ASAP.

[Abarth]

Are they providing you a car during this period?


Tim

[9-7XMAN]

I rent a vehicle from Enterprise [has to be GM brand] wherein GM will reimburse me if fault found to be that of GM, i.e., defect, anything under warranty. Enterprise in Missouri has no Saab 9-7's, but do have Suburbans, Envoys, and Yukons, take your pick, that is when available.

Independent engineer, hired by GM, phoned yesterday, says he will be inspecting vehicle either today, Thursday, or tomorrow, Friday, on site.

Coincidentallyhttp://www.saabcentral.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif just today I received a phone call from a local Saab dealer, on Long Island, for me to meet & greet a bunch of Saab regional managers on 9/15, see some 2008 vehicles I suppose [they sell Buicks too]. Saab HQ can run the 9-7X VIN and find out where I had any and all service I am sure, in this case. Told them I'll show up, but in one of my new Honda Accords as the Saab is in for repair.

Will say my son, who drives the vehicle, loves it, as I do. Only other problem, besides the airbag deployment, was a defective windshield washer motor that was replaced. Stating the obvious, wish it had a 5 or 6 speed automatic, more supportive front seats, like in the 9-3; getting 15 mpg average on the highway with, say, a 500 lb. load incl. driver, from NYC to St. Louis, a distance of about 1,000 miles, using recommended regular, but appears to perform best with premium for the V-8.

By the way, it is "mandatory" that you replace your wiper blades with the Valeo Ultimate or Michelin Radius [Walmart]/Optimum [Target]. These are the new one piece designs, top shelf quality. Amazing in the rain, have them on the Saab and my Hondas.

[Abarth]

I agree with the insight of what would make this model better, although it will never happen. I hope you will be introduced to the 9-7X Aero as one of the 2008 models you will be introduced to. I've had mine since December 2006 and have 31K on her. Replaced the front valance, the transmission, the HVAC Control module, a couple of AC sensors, but do enjoy her.

Tim

[9-7XMAN]

I agree with the insight of what would make this model better, although it will never happen. I hope you will be introduced to the 9-7X Aero as one of the 2008 models you will be introduced to. I've had mine since December 2006 and have 31K on her. Replaced the front valance, the transmission, the HVAC Control module, a couple of AC sensors, but do enjoy her.

Tim


Tim,

With so many defects, though I presume under warranty, sounds like GM past, i.e., my then new 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS convertible, needed a new tranny 3 times, new headlight switch twice, broken convertible top hydraulic hoses, et al; a new 1969 Buick Riviera Gran Sport, with defective everything, particularly the water pumps that killed the generators that killed the batteries a few times; a new 1970 Firebird Formula 400, fast but a piece of rusting junk; a 1973 Plymouth Satellite coupe as a station car whose brake master cylinder went at about 50 mph around a curve; a 1974 Cadillac Coupe deVille that was indestructible like the 1968 Fleetwood I had. Then a few Toyotas, last one, a 2000 Avalon XLS needed everything from a few new calipers & rotors to a completely new suspension, defective vapor lock every time ya topped off the gas, cost $400 fix each time, a piece of junk. The two 2006 Honda Accords I now have, EX-6 w/Nav, are terrific, but relatively new so time will tell.

The Saab a fun SUV ride, but dislike that solid rear axle though realize it's just a truck. Definitely next yr. getting the new 4WD 9-3, and a Cadillac, will still have the 9-7X, as I typically need three vehicles at a time.

What I learned, from experience, is, if one can afford it, NEVER buy a car, just lease it for no more than three yrs max, preferably two. That way you never get stuck with the inevitable age related breakdowns and enjoy a new vehicle more often.

And, yup, if Saab wanted to offer us a new 2008 Aero as a replacement, we'll take it! ;)

[Abarth]

I would agree, but I put 50K+ miles a year. My 9-7X was purchased in December of 06 and now has 31K on her, and has been in the shop for almost three weeks for repairs.


Tim

[9-7XMAN]

I would agree, but I put 50K+ miles a year. My 9-7X was purchased in December of 06 and now has 31K on her, and has been in the shop for almost three weeks for repairs.


Tim

With the warranty, and can always buy an extended version, you'll always get a replacement vehicle from Saab so, if replacement comparable, let them fix it. With your mileage sounds like a NYC taxi!

[volswagn]

Looks like your first post was a while ago... What happened to your 9-7X. Did Saab find any defect?

As for other makes & models, my worst experiences were with my 1997 Jetta... I sold it I think in 2004? The last two years I owned it I put about $5K into it and then eventually sold it on Ebay for $1K because it needed a new transmission, new L/R front axles and a couple other things. Friends of mine with newer VWs have had even worse luck than I did.

Our Subaru Forester has 90K miles on it. Never been in the shop for anything but regular maintenance (which we are pretty religious about). My Mazdaspeed6 (leased) has also been defect free for 22K miles with the exception of a check engine light (gas cap) and a reflash to the ECU to correct an overzealous knock sensor.

After my Jetta experience, my philosophy was that I was only going to purchase vehicles actually made in Japan and see how that went. Not Japanese makes that are made in the US. So far so good. The Mazdaspeed6 is the most "european" Japanese car I've been in as far as comfort and overall "solid" feel.

I totally agree about the leasing statement. Month-to-month payments might get a little expensive, but I like not having unexpected out-of-warranty costs. I don't worry so much with a japanese-built car, but when I hopefully get my 9-3 SportCombi Aero with XWD, I will definitely be leasing it so it will always be under warranty.

[9-7XMAN]

Awaiting to hear back from Saab, wherein they were supposed to have examined the vehicle on 9/7.

[volswagn]

OK, I'm an idiot...

I thought this thread had been opened for months now.

Then I realized the dates are european-style, with day/month/year instead of month/day/year. :)

[9-7XMAN]

Received a phone call from GM today, they have determined that they will repair all under warranty:) ; dealer awaiting air freight pkg of applicable parts wherein he will repair. Will let forum know when I get back repaired vehicle.

[9-7XMAN]

Missouri Saab dealer who is to repair says parts are back ordered. :x The vehicle has been sitting in his shop since 8/29/07.

GMAC -- still 20% owned by GM -- from whom I lease the vehicle and who technically OWNS it, says all they will do is "send a letter" to the dealer & Saab saying that "the customer requests a prompt repair." :roll:

Technically, according to the New Jersey Lemon Law [from where the vehicle was leased] if the vehicle is out of service for a min. of 20 consecutive calendar days [will be on 9/18] due to defect or warranty issue I then can request a replacement vehicle or total refund if not then repaired within 10 days of receiving my written notice.

[FLA_SAAB_ DRIVER]

i had an envoy denali and i got hit in the drivers side door at 65 by a jeep grand cherokee my denali was totaled, but was still driveable ... the jeep was trashed the darn drive train and transmission was laying on the ground...i drove my denali to my familys dealership and dropped it off, they declared it totaled within 24 hours, it was a dealer car so it didnt mater but i felt very safe in that car i loved it but hated the gas mileage but about that airbag problem i have no clue really

[9-7XMAN]

Now get this . . . the code word, "backordered," here means that 2007 side curtain airbag parts are no where to be found!:roll: Either has to be manufactured of taken off 2008 assembly line! ;oops: It appears that NO ONE at GM has yet made any sourcing decision, wherein today I demanded, "either repair promptly or give me a new vehicle!" :x I also spoke with Autoliv Inc., the Saab's airbag manufacturer, and gave them my details of the incident and its current status so they can investigate.

If you currently drive a 9-7X, draw your own conclusions! :o

[volswagn]

I demanded, "either repair promptly or give me a new vehicle!"

Would you mind a new vehicle? :)

[9-7XMAN]

Exact same side curtain airbag sudden deployment recently happened to someone's new 2007 Trailblazer SS [built in same factory], also deemed a defect, and he received a BRAND NEW Trailblazer SS from GM. I have been in contact with him, have his GM Service Number so not a fiction, and have informed Saab & GM of the Number and that I know of same.

[nutcase]

Personally I'm not a fan of anything explosive that is near me - such as airbags, and your situation is what scares me the most.In my opinion, airbags are a bad idea.


Good luck with your case - I hope they give you a brand new motor.

[9-7XMAN]

CORRECTION: Spoke with Autoluv, Inc. wherein they claim that they only manufacture the electrical components to the side curtain airbags, not the airbags themselves. Their attorneys are concerned re the curtain failure and are following up.

[9-7XMAN]

Got a phone call from the Saab dealer today, said the correct parts are today being shipped air freight and that the vehicle should be repaired by this Friday, 9/28. Will post here when repaired. :roll:

[9-7XMAN]

Picked up vehicle today, repaired. So far so good. If any residual issues will report here.

Personal thanks to Saab's GM, Steve Shannon, for getting involved.:)

[hockeytown9]

WARNING: This defect can be deadly!! My girlfriend and I were in a rented Olds Alero, and involved in an accident. I was changing lanes on the highway @ 45MPH and the vehicle in the lane I was changing into (a large Ford F-series truck) sped up to keep me from getting in front of him (serious egos on the road here). I started to go back into the lane I was first in, but a car was stopping to make a hard right into a driveway and so I had to keep up the lane change to keep from hitting it. The truck kept speeding up and as I got halfway into the lane he rear ended me. It was a light hit (I think he had let off the gas to just scare me but miscalculated), and the car fishtailed a bit, but I easily corrected. As I was looking to pullover to the shoulder the driver’s front airbag deployed, a good 3 or 4 seconds later. I had been leaning forward to look out the right side, checking for traffic, so it clocked me pretty good. I started to go out, thought I was coming to, but then lost consciousness. The car was then driverless, and went into oncoming traffic on a 55MPH highway. I was starting to come too at this point and was able to hit the brakes and try and get to the opposite shoulder. There was a small shoulder and then a 50-60ft drop-off, so I had to try and stop as I made it to the shoulder. Unfortunately the driver in oncoming traffic was slow to react (and driving on a suspended license w/ an arrest warrant) and T-boned our car. The impact came to our passenger side, our car rolling over the hood of the other car, and landing on the roof. My girlfriend suffered a head injury and a shattered pelvis, internal bleeding etc, and had to be airlifted to Denver and was in a medically induced coma for days and then subsequent rehab for several months after. I suffered mild head injury and some internal injuries as well. No one would take the case, so Olds got off scott free, and I had to pay Avis (the devil, use anyone else) 8k (after settling) for a car that almost killed us. So take this seriously! It can be a deadly malfunction. In fact, I am thinking this is reason to trade in the 9-7X.

[FLA_SAAB_ DRIVER]

we have sold several 9-7x's and out of the many sold, we have only had one with this issue thankfully it wasnt in a situation like yours, i had an envoy denali, and i never had that happen to me, and my other had several envoys, no issue there