Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

1998-2011 · 14 model years

Saab 9-5 Problems by year

Owners have filed 519 complaints about the Saab 9-5 across 14 model years, and it has 9 recalls. The 1999 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (117), while 1998, 2009, 2010 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age1999117 complaints · 2 recallsSee the 1999
Complaints
519
Recalls
9
Crashes
11
Fires
16
Injuries
12
Deaths
0

9-5 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20119000LightsA
20102000AirbagsA
20092100AirbagsA
200820200AirbagsC
200717200AirbagsC
200623200AirbagsC
200511220AirbagsC
200419211Electrical systemC
200349410Electrical systemF
200265625Electrical systemF
200182404Electrical systemF
2000102315Electrical systemF
1999117241Electrical systemF
19981000BrakesA

Most common 9-5 problems

Saab 9-5 recalls 9

Latest 9-5 complaints

2004 Saab 9-5Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel systemFire

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally...

Read the full complaint

bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. I bought 3, one a Bosch branded model, and It has never restarted. Many other drivers complain in forums, like Saab Forums, that they are experiencing the same problems. As you know, stalling at highway speeds can cause death. Clearly the problems with the Saab motorcars, produced, owned, and sold through General Motors, are something that poses a hazard, and should be repaired at GM dealership's expense. P.S. The vehicle's immobilizer device has caused my vehicle to not start at all. The key fobs have stopped functioning at all. I replaced the batteries, and they won't connect to the engine. The vehicle will crank, but no start. Battery runs down, with crank, but no start behavior. Can General Motors either: 1. replace the entire engine, 2. repair the "stall, no restart" situation, 3. moreover repair my seeming to be, "anti-theft system, no start" situation, called DICE/TWICEsystem, 4. achieving an actual fix for these older, but cherished sporting cars? Please check these links for confirming information: saabforums.com/forum/saab9-5-12/engine-turns-over--but-wont-start-9066/ www.saabcentral.com/threads/cranks-but-wont-start.689898/

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11660144
2001 Saab 9-5Wheels & tires

With only 670 miles on a new set of tires, an inspection for a completely unrelated reason found that there was a bulge in 3 of the 4 NEW tires. Installed in Jun, issue found in Dec; car is driven very little. Tires were purchased from Tire Rack and installed by Discount Tire. Inspection by Discount tire found the 3 defective tires. They report bulges as "impact damage". I have had one other tire ever with impact damage in 180,000 miles on this 20+ year old car. On this set of tires, there were no incidents, such...

Read the full complaint

as hitting a curb or pothole. I have to believe that these tires have a manufacturing defect. For all I know, they had a sidewall bulge from day one. I am replacing all four tires. I have contacted Vredestein customer service, at both domestic and international email customer service contacts. They have not answered, even with an acknowledgement of receipt.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11568403
2007 Saab 9-5Airbags

My vehicle was on recall for Takata air bags. My vehicle was then installed with a new set of Takata airbags. Are not these airbags just as unsafe? Have not there been cases of the same issues happening to these airbags? Is my 2017 front passenger Airbag going to explode like a grenade and kill me? These are all questions I have, but I am told these airbags are safe. Yet I have seen lawsuits where someone died in another vehicle make but with 2017 Takata airbags as the cause of death and or injury. Should not my car have been replaced with non Takata brand airbags? Are any Takata airbags safe when compared to other brands?

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11516910
2004 Saab 9-5AirbagsCrash

7/26/22 10:23pm on interstate 25 North of Denver mile 249 I was not able to stop and rear ended another vehicle. My air bags did not deploy there were no dash lights indicating any problem with the airbags prior to the accident. My vehicle was not drivable and was towed to H&R Towing in Johnstown, CO. The only inspection so far has been by an Amica Insurance adjuster. My set belt pretensioner held me fast but the crown of my head went forward into the visor area I was dazed. I went by ambulance to MCR hospital in...

Read the full complaint

Loveland diagnosed with a concussion. I had other bruises from the seatbelt and hitting my left knee on the dash. The damage to my car begins at the driver's side headlamp area and radiates across the font of the car to the headlights on the passenger side. The hood was folded back and there is significant damage to all the components in the front part of the engine compartment. I've tried to contact Saab cars but no response, they stopped building cars in 2011. I tried GM as well, no response.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11477716
2003 Saab 9-5Fuel system

I had to replace fuel pump 3 times in 4 years. It smelled like fuel in my car.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11383122
2008 Saab 9-5Airbags

I had my airbag replaced on recall several years ago. I now have an error alert on my dash indicating an air bag problem. My service technician tells me there are no parts available. What alternatives are available for me, besides drive an unsafe car or junk it (probably illegal to sell )

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11302603

Questions about the Saab 9-5

Which Saab 9-5 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 1999 (117), 2000 (102), 2001 (82). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 1999 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Saab 9-5 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 1998, 2010, 2009 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other 9-5 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Saab 9-5 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (248), engine & cooling (80), airbags (61) most often.

How many recalls does the Saab 9-5 have?

NHTSA lists 9 recalls across all Saab 9-5 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience