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

Vehicle safety record

2005 Saab 9-7X Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2005 Saab 9-7X with NHTSA, most often about the lights (8) and the electrical system (7). Those complaints describe 2 fires. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in July 2014 for the power window devices and controls. For comparison, the 2006 has 59.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical 9-7X year, for its age

#184 most complained-about 2005 vehicle

Complaints
25
Recalls
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2005 Saab 9-7X problems

Share of all 25 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2005 Saab 9-7X recalls 2

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

Visibility: power window devices and controls

14V404000184,611 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
The risk
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

Electrical system

13V248000193,652 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
The risk
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix
Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

What owners say

Be the first 9-7X owner to share.

Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now

25 complaints about the 2005 Saab 9-7X

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

SuspensionElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-7X. The contact stated that the fog lights independently turned on and failed to turn off. Upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the sound went away. The contact also stated that the rear suspension was sagging. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon research, the contact located NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V406000 (Electrical System, Visibility). Several unknown local dealers were contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 11704147
Electrical systemFire

Manufacturer: general motors llc mfr's report date: aug 15, 2012 nhtsa campaign id number: 12v406000 nhtsa action number: ea12004 component: visibility, power window devices and controls was advised in 2015 that the drivers door module was under recall as a fire hazard. It was replaced. The replacement module started on fire. The local dealer blamed 'rain water getting in it.' I ordered a brand new ddm that has never seen the elements or been installed in a car ' and it has the same corrosion that...

Read the full complaint

caused my fire! See pic. To add insult to injury the local gmc and chevy dealers both say 'oh that's a saab, we can't program that.' The nearest dealer willing to do this work is zimbrick in madison wisconsin. It's 150 miles away. They're stating they can't do the work a second time under the call. There was nothing wrong with my window switch before they did the recall work, and supposedly the 'superior' fixed part in fact caught on fire. If this was a trailblazer or an envoy they'd do the work but because it's a saab they're being stupid and saying they can't work on saab's. It's the same thing. Bottom line: the recall work does not mitigate the fire hazard and brand new replacement modules have the same corrosion that gm blames on 'water getting into the ddm.' I challenge that narrative and believe all these vehicles may still be a fire hazard

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11088922
LightsVisibility & wipers

The headlights will go off while driving. I was driving out of my gym parking lot at 10pm. On a icy night. They will not turn back on. However the highbeams, fog lights side markers work. Very dangerous and safety is definitely at risk not only for myself but for my children. There is a recall for this on the 2006 model. Someone may have received the wrong information or disregarded the numerous complaints of this model as well. This requires attention asap. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 10939042
Lights

The headlights just went out without any warning. The highbeams, fog lights and side markers will go on. The headlightsl turned off without warning as I was thankfully just pulling out of my street. However it is a main st with alot of activity during certain times thankfully that was not one of them.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10939031
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureSeats & seat beltsFire

My family and I were out on a saturday evening on 6/11/16. We stopped to grab a slice of pizza from one of our famous downtown pizza places. As we sat in the car eating our pizza, we noticed smoke coming from the right side vents and dash board. We immediately jumped out of the car. Well, after smoke, we saw fire. The car was destroyed. The hood, dashboard, front and back seats melted like a piece of paper. My wife and young son were in the car. The car was parked on a city street when smoke/fire started.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · SeatsNHTSA 10876194
Airbags

Takata recall sensor has gone off and will not turn off.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10854128
Electrical systemLights

While driving at night the headlights were set on automatic mode when all of a sudden they went out and I tried to turn them to the regular on position and they did not come on, the high beams did not work either. This has happened on several occasions and from what I read on line I'm not the only one that has this issue. I believe the recall should include my 2005 model as well. Other electrical issues! (Instrument panel-gages) most tacked out, also speedometer gage issues (gets stuck at one speed and when yu slow down it doesn't go back down but if you get back up to speed it will continue to climb ie: showing a false speed of 95-mph but actually only going about 55-mph.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10733342
Lights

As I was driving my low beam headlights will turn off. They will not reset or come back on. Fog lamps and high beams work fine. I have seen recalls for this issue in the 2006 model. But it seems as if the 2005 model has the same concern.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10723839
Lights

There's a recall on low beam headlamps shutting off while driving at night. I called saab dealership because I was pulled over by state trooper bc lights shut off while I was driving and issued a warning. Dealership said there was a recall but no part available yet. I asked when there might be a part available and they said they've been waiting sense last june of 2014 and still no part available. This is a serious issue bc I drive home every night and no warning when lights will randomly shut off.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10722099
Lights

Similar to nhtsa id number: 10667221 event , where the headlights blinked out. In my situation, I was able to turn them off, and then back on. This happened multiple times, but stopped for the winter. It ha returned. I can not go a mile without the lights going out.... I also looked at the net and discovered the recall for 2006, but not 2005..... I also agree this recall should include 2005 my. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10695366
Lights

While driving at night the headlights were set on automatic mode when all of a sudden they went out and I tried to turn them to the regular on position and they did not come on either so I turn on the high beams to make it home that was pretty scary since the it has being doing it intermittent every time so I can't drive at night for the fear of getting pulled over or wrecking I don't know what else to do I did go on the internet and read where there is a recall about the saab. 97X 2006-2008 I think the recall should be on the 2005 model also I would appreciate your help in this matter. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10667221
SuspensionAcceleration & cruise control

This car has had the problem with the rear air suspension, it constantly has to be lift from the ignition, I bought the car 3 years ago, and this problem started last year, also the throttle body has defects making it really hard to drive at times. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10577192
Electrical system

Ref recall 12180. Same issues exist in 2005 saab 97x models. We bought this vehicle used and the driver's door master switches were working sporadically. Around the beginning of july 2012, the switches stopped working completely. My wife is disabled, and I've been out of work since 2008. We could not afford to get this repaired out of pocket.When the preliminary notification for the recall came around and we were happy about the news. I'm afraid now, after doing some research that our model year isn't covered. The recall notice shows our vehicle as a 2007, which is in error. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10504477
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the driver's side windows and door locks failed. He also stated that the controls for the side view mirrors and the driver's side heated seat warmer also failed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 12v406000 (electrical system) but was informed that his vin was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but they offered no assistance. The manufacturer was also notified but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 102,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10488997
Electrical system

When attempting to reposition the side mirror on the driver's side, using the electric system, there was smoke coming from inside the door. Since that time the driver's side electric system has failed to work. The local saab dealer claims that the parts are and were at that time unavailable. This problem may be related to the current electrical issue affecting the 2006 and 2007 models. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10475343
Fuel system

The gas gauge is stopped working and displays the wrong reading, this caused my wife and children to stall on the highway, a very dangerous situation. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10430362
Engine & cooling

Burnt exhaust valve in cylinder 1 at only 75000 miles. Had to have the head removed and machined. Mechanic stated that the valve seat was faulty. Dealership would not assist in the repair. Approximate cost was $1800. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10430361
Fuel system

The fuel light indicator does not go off. I have put gas in this vehicle on 2 sererate occasions in 1 day and it did not idicate any fuel. It continued to say "low fuel". I just purchased this vehicle today... *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10430347
Fuel system

Fuel gauge is failing to register gas in the tank, and engine keeps stalling.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10427152
Fuel system

Gas gauge either does not accurately measure gas in the vehicle or doesn't work at all. Problem has persisted over the pass year and has finally quit working. Have run out of gas on 3 occasions. On one incident had 5 month old baby in car at night. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10426446
Fuel system

FUEL GAUGE OR SENSOR FAILURE. *TR

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10398677
Lights

Headlight low beam (h11) wiring harness was melted saab 9-7x 2005 4.2L. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10355395
Other & unknown

I have had my used vehicle for 20 months and it has less than 78,000 miles. The 2005 saab 9-7x stalls while driving. Sometimes it will re-start and run for a little while and then stall out again. When it stalls I have to quickly try to get out of traffic and pull over. Most of the time the vehicle will not re-start and must be towed. This has happened at least seven times. The first time this started happening there was approxmately 60,000 miles (maybe a little more) on the vehicle. Here are a couple...

Read the full complaint

instances of when the vehicle stalled: one time I was at a stop light at a busy intersection at night (approximately 60,000 miles on vehicle at this time) and another time I was driving on a highway (approximately 78,000 miles on the vehicle this time). The first time (june 2009) I took my vehicle in for stalling to concours motors on silver spring dr in milwaukee wi. They had it for 3 months and finally figured out it was the fuse box. They replaced the fuse box. The vehicle ran fine for 6 months and it started stalling out again. This time (march 2010) the car dealership thought it was the fuel pump and replaced it. They found out it was not the fuel pump when it would not turn on for them after replacing this part. They still have the vehicle in the shop and do not know why it continues to stall while driving. I do not believe this is a safe vehicle to drive.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10322917
Equipment & accessories

Car heater will not work unless the heat is set to the max which is 90 degrees. At any other temperature, the car will blow out cold air. *Nm

Filed Incident EquipmentNHTSA 10169890
Fuel system

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds uphill, the strong odor of gasoline was present in the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10166438

Saab 9-7X: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200917001LightsB
200822101LightsB
200748405Electrical systemD
200659403Fuel systemF
200525202LightsC
All 9-7X years

2005 Saab 9-7X vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2005 Saab 9-7X2520C
2005 Saab 9-2X11141-Compare
2005 Saab 9-39534DCompare
2005 Saab 9-51122CCompare

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.

Own a 2005 Saab 9-7X? Share your experience.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Questions about the 2005 Saab 9-7X

Does the 2005 Saab 9-7X have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Saab 9-7X: power window devices and controls (July 2014); electrical system (June 2013). 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 2005 Saab 9-7X?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (8), electrical system (7), fuel system (6).

How many complaints has the 2005 Saab 9-7X had?

25 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 24, 2006 and the latest on December 10, 2025. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2005 Saab 9-7X a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Saab 9-7X 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 9-7X years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2005 Saab 9-7X 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

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