- The problem
- Saab is recalling 57,389 my 2002-2008 9-5 series vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact." During compliance testing, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirements.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a-pillar trim with improved energy-absorbing capability free of charge. The recall began on november 25, 2008. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Saab 9-5 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 2003 Saab 9-5 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (25) and the engine & cooling (10). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 3 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2008 for the head restraint. For comparison, the 2002 has 65 and the 2004 has 19.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 9-5 year, for its age
#157 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Saab 9-5 problems
Share of all 49 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Saab 9-5 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
- The risk
- Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on june 13, 2007. This is an expansion of previous recall campaigns - see 04v557 and 06v126. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
- The risk
- Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to january 2003. The recall is expected to begin during december 2005. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007. Note: this recall is an expansion of a previous campaign (please see 05v399).
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- These fractures would result in wheel bolt breakage, allowing the wheel to detach from the wheel hub, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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49 complaints about the 2003 Saab 9-5
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
I had to replace fuel pump 3 times in 4 years. It smelled like fuel in my car.
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 buick regal. The contact stated that all door locks would become stuck when activated by the electronic door lock system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
After driving my car to my destination, I put the car in park but the car won't stay in park. The car pops out of park into reverse, then it won't start when I get back into my car. *Tr
Tl* the contacts owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the direct ignition cassette needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 125,000.
I was driving the car when suddenly the car when dead while I was driving it.I was lucky that I was able to restart it and there was a gas station right near by. It did not start up normally and was very sluggish. I was in the middle of traffic when this happened but fortunately not heavy traffic and in the right lane. It was very scary. They towed my saab to a saab dealer for me who had to install a new ignition. This happened about 4-5 years ago on my saab 2003 9-5 station wagon which was built by gm. I believe it was built on the same platform of one of the cadillacs that is under recall. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the brakes seized as the engine stalled. The contact was able to stop the vehicle with the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the ignition discharge module was defective. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign i.D. Number: 06v410000 (electrical system) and called the manufacturer, who advised that the vin was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The front seatbelts fray near where the buckle secures the belt when in use. The seatbelt was replaced with oem parts for this reason. The new belt has frayed again over a short period of time. Others report similar problems, perhaps due to something rough abrading the belt somewhere along the belt path. *Tr
The horn often fails to work when the steering wheel mounted airbag cover is pressed. This is an ongoing, unresolved problem. A dealer replaced a part under warranty but that did not fix the problem. I have seen several other 2002+ 9-5s with the same horn failure issue. *Tr
I was driving approximately 30-35 mph down a four lane road when the car stalled leaving me with no power at the accelerator. It became very difficult to steer the car and the brake pedal became very hard to depress. Luckily I was able to coast off the road where the car came to a complete stop blocking the entrance/exit of a gas station. I was less then 200 feet from where I was turning onto the entrance ramp of a highway. The gas station attendant was very upset telling me I can not leave my car there. The...
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car would not start after several attempts. The car was towed to the mechanic. The car has been at the service station for over 2 weeks now. The technician is unable to find the reason the car stalled. However he explained that the fuel pump and the fuel pump relay are operational. He also explained that there is no electricity getting to the fuel pump. He has already replaced the crankshaft position sensor and is in the process of checking all sensors and relays. During my own research, I have found that these cars have faulty electrical systems with many recalls on the direct ignition cassette (dic). At this point, we do not know what caused the problem. I am a single mother with 2 young children and rely on this automobile on a daily basis. In fact, I had just dropped my daughter (9 years old) off at dancing school. I was just on the highway 20 minutes prior to dropping my daughter off at dancing school. I am extremely concerned that this will happen again. I can not afford to have this problem happen without cause and warning. Would you please forward me any information via e-mail or regular mail that would help assure me this problem will never happen again. If you know this car is problematic then please inform me to sell the car so I can get a more reliable car that will prevent the risk of injury or death to me and my family. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5 equipped with hankook tires hkh405, size 225-45-17. The dot and serial numbers were not available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the front tires tread was worn prematurely. The tires were replaced. The failure mileage was 12,000 updated 08-24-12 *bf
My car was built in 2002 as well as others reported, I purchased it used 3 years ago with 64k miles. My direct ignition control in 2003 9-5 linear sedan 2.3T ceased. Upon research, my dic is the original part 9197559 tk3.6 2000-2002 Are recalled and 'some' 2003 vin's. With the over abundance of dic failures with the exact same part number, these need to be recalled as a whole. Upon removal of the dic, the engine is leaking at the seams of the head from where the bolts are located, inside the dic and engine...
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section is perfectly clean. Bolts in the head of the engine loose, 1 was lifted out enough to just remove straight out. Car blows blueish smoke when it was starting, switches are defective (gm known issue), oil / engine / head known issues, suspension known issues (among other serious saab failures). I have spent thousands of dollars on this vehicle since purchase. The known recalls must be expanded to include the parts, not just 'year' or 'specific vin'. This was supposed to be a safe, reliable car but instead is causing serious financial issues. Please help the owners all over the world, we should not have to pay for all of this.. We already paid for their 'bailout'! Sincerely~ can not take any more repairs!!! *Tt
Check engine light kept going on and off and car had made a loud popping noise from the electrical system, when trying to start one day. I checked online for recalls, which stated there was a recall for electrical, ignition issues. I took my car into a repair shop to check on check engine light. There is a recall 06v410000, oct 26 2006 for this very issue but for 6 cylinder, and mine is a 4 cylinder engine. The repair shop replaced the ign cassette. This was a very expensive repair, $582.45 And should be covered by saab. My car could have caught on fire. What do you have to say about that! *Tr
2003 Saab / 9-5 -- 6-cylinder gasoline engine -- mileage: 80,956 -- manufacturer: saab cars usa, inc. --My saab suddenly and without warning had a loss of power, rough operation, check engine light and smoke. The sudden stop almost caused an accident. I found out this is due to an electrical system issue with the ignition module. I have replaced the part and with labor the cost was $441. My research has uncovered a recall in vin numbers up to 7727. My vin number ends less than 1000 later. The issue is exactly as...
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identified in the recall. (Nhtsa action number: pe05017) I have retained the part and the shop verified that it is the original part. I believe that this and the other of the two parts should be covered under the recall. Saab has declined and suggested my only recourse was to contact http://www.Safercar.Gov.. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5 equipped with nexen n5000 tires (n/a). While having the vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer for routine maintenance, he was informed the rear driver side and front passenger side tire both had very large cracks along the sidewall. The tires had not been repaired or replaced. The failure and current mileages were approximately 96,900.
Without warning, on two occasions, my wife's 2003 saab 9-5 aero wagon has stopping running while she was driving in traffic at approximately 45 miles per hour. The car has been factory maintained and is in excellent condition. Obviously, it is very dangerous to have the vehicle stop running without any warning. The car had a new fuel pump and crankshaft sensor installed but the problem recurred about 6 weeks after the repair. Thank you for your time and consideration. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).*Tr
Check engine light on constantly. Fault code determined direct ignition cassette could fail any time. Replaced ignition cassette and spark plugs.*Cw
Ign cassettes failed (car wouldn't start, towed, very expensive to repair). A mechanic said the ign cassettes on my saab model were not under recall (but maybe should be). *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact experienced ignition cassette failure, which controls the sparks plugs. The dealer replaced the ignition at the cost of $500; however, the contact wants to be reimbursed. He was informed to call the saab manufacturer and report the issue. The failure mileage was 39,000.
While trying to get my car inspected, the technician found some very concerning uneven wear in the inside edge of one of the tires. After doing research it seems to be a known issue for my car model. If the wear is left unchecked can be a hazard for everyone on the road, fortunately it was caught on time, but the fact that this is a widely known issue with no real fix available makes me want to report it. The car is a 2003 saab 9-5 aero, but the defect affects all trims and years of this model car. *Tr
Both direct ignition cassettes failed on my 2003 saab 9-5 3.0L v6. Gm recalled the cassettes on the 2000-2002 model years. *Tr
My 2003 9-5 linear is having many of the same electrical problems as described by others. My check engine light came on recently and I had the codes read. The codes represented a misfire problem. When doing research I learned that it is most usually the direct ignition module, failure at 80000 miles? Since then the car has suddenly shut down on the highway (one time), forcing me to weave through traffic with no power to get to the side. The car restarted immediately after stopping. Now the car seems to buck when...
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driving and at idle, which is also representative of a dim failure. I will be bringing it to the shop to get repaired under my aftermarket warranty, but I feel that saab should be paying since the failure is the same as the 2000-2002 model year recall. *Tr
FAILURE OF 2003 SAAB 95 DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. *TR
My 2003 saab 9-5 arc v6 3.0Turbo has begun having issues with the ignition. It frequently will not start. It turns over but the engine will not completely fire. In addition, once it does start it will often stall out. This generally happens when switching from park to drive or reverse or when at a stoplight/stop sign. Once the car stalls it does not just restart. The spark plugs are all new and no lines are broken/damaged. I have examined recalls on this car and recall05087/15021b describes my problem and my model of car is listed yet I am told that this recall does not apply to my vin number. This has happened for a few months. I am listing the incident date as today's date. *Tr
Car runs perfectly and at highway speeds will randomly stall. If you can manage to not get into an accident the car will start right back up after you turn off the key and restart. Sometimes every couple of miles, and can go several miles without the stall. Seems to only happen at constant speeds. This is a very dangerous problem. Diagnostic codes are p1230 and p1261, but I think these are results of the sudden stall, and not the problem. *Tr updated 03/10/09. *Lj
My check engine light had been on- my mechanic said there was a recall (which I verified on your site), yet when I took it to saab (and called), they said my particular vin # was not covered. Amazing coincidence that the exact part that was recalled got replaced??!! Please advise me what I can/should do. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. *Tr
Saab 9-5: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 17 | 2 | C |
| 2006 | 23 | 2 | C |
| 2005 | 11 | 2 | C |
| 2004 | 19 | 2 | C |
| 2003 | 49 | 4 | F |
| 2002 | 65 | 6 | F |
| 2001 | 82 | 4 | F |
| 2000 | 102 | 3 | F |
| 1999 | 117 | 2 | F |
2003 Saab 9-5 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Saab 9-5 | 49 | 4 | F | |
| 2003 Saab 9-3 | 214 | 5 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Saab 9-5
Does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-5: head restraint (April 2008); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (March 2007); module (October 2006); hub (January 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saab 9-5?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (25), engine & cooling (10), fuel system (7).
How many complaints has the 2003 Saab 9-5 had?
49 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 10, 2003 and the latest on December 12, 2020. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Saab 9-5 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Saab 9-5 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Saab 9-5 years have the most complaints?
1999 (117), 2000 (102), 2001 (82). See every Saab 9-5 year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Saab 9-5 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data