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Vehicle safety record

2008 Saab 9-7X Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2008 Saab 9-7X with NHTSA, most often about the lights (9) and the electrical system (6). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in August 2015 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2007 has 48 and the 2009 has 17.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical 9-7X year, for its age

#212 most complained-about 2008 vehicle

Complaints
22
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2008 Saab 9-7X problems

Share of all 22 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2008 Saab 9-7X recalls 1

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

Exterior lighting: headlights

15V519000429,170 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
The risk
Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

What owners say

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22 complaints about the 2008 Saab 9-7X

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Lights

There is not a dealership that is able to fix the recall on my vehicle that is near me. Gm recall #: 15037 nhtsa # 15v519 date issued: jan 06, 2015 recall title: recall 15037 - headlamp driver module recall status: incomplete *tr

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11325387
Lights

Dim head lights, I have to use the high beam light to see properly especially on highway or poorly lit areas.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11170071
Lights

There is a recall for certain 2008 97x models, recall number 15v519000. The headlights come on when driving, but then flicker and go out, causing a huge safety issue . This is happening to my car, but saab tells me my vin is not included. The recall should be extended to include all 2008 97x model. At this time, some owners are getting it fixed for free and others, like me will have to pay for it. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10949208
Lights

Called 800 ^ the said they would call when part was available, 6 months later received second letter call local dealer in may of 2016 said they would call when part was in. Still haven't received a call.Safty recall # 14291/15037.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10936479
Electrical systemDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

"Takata recall" purchased from eastchester chrysler jeep dodgr dealership in bronx, ny 10486 , on feb. 28, 2015, Engine light illuminated on dashboard indicating a possible problem. I took it back approximately 7x to the dealer for repair and approximately 8 additional times at other mechanics. Unfortunately, light continues today. Both headlights were problem; drivers side beginning first dimming very low. Several weeks later, the passenger side headlight began to have problems as well. Eventually it...

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became a necessity to become an expensive out-of- pocket expense. Finally, the stability check light continuously comes on and off making it necessary to stop and turn off and restart vehicle as suggested by dealer mechanic advice. Allinformation described is verified with documents.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 10903590
LightsAirbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. While driving 25 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated and the headlights shut off. The contact turned the headlights off and on. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 10887581
Transmission & drivetrain

While driving the car it cuts off while in the drive gear. This happened 4 times, twice while driving on the beltway all within a 3 week period. I have e to put the car in park and wait about 2 minutes then start it up again. I was scared to drive the car after the second time stopping on the beltway, so I had the car towed to the shop. This was very dangerous and stressful not knowing when the car would stop at any given time. The dealer had to replace the computer in the car at a cost on $690.00, From me. I...

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think this is unacceptable and that I should be compensated for this amount. If this model needs to be recalled then it should be before someone gets hurt or killed. I will be writing the better business bureau also to file a complaint. I get my maintenance on this vehicle on a regular basis. I'm glad that I was not seriously hurt when this car stopped on the beltway. My car was repaired on july 16,2016, at anderson of hunt valley, 10125 york road, cockeysville md 21030. Phone # 410-403-1300. They did a great job in replacing the computer, now I need to be compensated for my $690.00. Thanking you in advance for your time and cooperation.Sincerely [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10885616
Driver assistance

The service stabili trac light keeps coming on I also had a 06 trailblazer same thing paid 300.00 To fix it and kept doing it.

Filed Incident Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 10870362
Electrical systemLights

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the headlamps independently failed. In addition, when the fog lights were activated any other electrical system was in use, the vehicle would shut down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it could not be diagnosed; however, the mechanic stated that the bulb needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred more than ten times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10836679
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. While driving at various speeds, the driver side headlights failed to illuminate. The contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v755000 (exterior lighting); however, the part for the recall was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10824429
Engine & cooling

I got a trouble code for cylinder #7 misfire. It is the lifters going out due to the afm or dod, whatever gm calls it. The system shutting down the 8 cylinder to 4 cylinders. $3000 Job for something that I'm sure gm is very aware of. These 5.3S with this afm will have this problem. It's just a matter of when.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10822105
Airbags

Side airbags deployed randomly while driving down the road. This was not due to an accident or any type of impact. It was a random event. The vehicle is currently at the saab/volvo dealership in charlotte, nc where it was originally purchased. They are trying to figure out why this happened and the dealership is saying they will not accept responsibility for repair costs. This is clearly a mechanical problem. The vehicle was in motion on the road at 45mph. We have pictures on our cell phone available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10821069
LightsFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. After starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to function when activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the lamp control relay fuse was replaced on two separate occasions. In addition, there was damage to the fuse box and the head lamp driver module melted. There were no flames present. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v755000 (exterior lighting); however, the vehicle had not been serviced due to the remedy being under development. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10745414
Lights

Mar 5, 2015 - backing up in driveway early morning, low beam headlights went out. Tried high beams, they didn't work either. Running lights and fog lights are on, just no low/high beams. Cannot leave for work in morning until it gets light, cannot stay out in evening because car has no lights. Local dealers say saab 2008 9-7x not in recall, but nhtsa site says otherwise, and saab cust service confirms. Cannot get local dealer to fix unless I pay first, and no fix guaranteed due to saab not having resolved issue yet. I should not have to fix this car if it's manufacturers poor design. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10693314
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & cooling

While operating my vehicle at approx. 70 Mph on an interstate, my passenger bumped the ignition key, located between the gear shifter and center console. My vehicle shut off while traveling down the hwy, and it happened other times, too. I've had the same problems with the driver side door module, which has completely stopped working. It has always had problems after getting only slightly wet. I've had problems with front passenger window, possibly caused by the same problem, and every door is likely affected....

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Since the driver side is used most frequently, the problem just becomes obvious on that one. The ignition is subject to the same problems. My vehicle stopped working after leaving the sunroof open mistakenly. The vehicle wouldn't start for 24 hrs, and the turn signal has since had problems with flashing too quickly. The design obviously lacks basic attempts to keep water away from its electrical components. I have a recurring problem with a service stabilitrak light intermittently going on and off. It was taken back for service several times, but the problem was either never resolved, or continues to recur. I don''t know whether stabilitrak is or was functioning at any point, or if it's just the light. Around the same time, the cruise control started to only work intermittently and then completely stopped working. In addition, there is something very wrong with the abs system when attempting to stop while traveling at low speeds. Although it happens consistently, I would have died or been seriously injured if I hadn't downshifted and pulled my e-brake in order to finally get the vehicle to stop. Yet, the 9-7x wasn't included in the recall gm issued for the very same problem on other vehicles. There is seriously something wrong with this vehicle. It is a death trap waiting to happen. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 10662391
Electrical system

This model has faulty/substandard design. I have had to replace rusted out trunk latch twice, drivers side window fails to close after several repairs, windshield has cracked 3 times, ( never have I previously had a crack in a windshield) , headlights continue to short out and have been replaced several times, among many other issues. Have no faith that this car has safe airbags. ? *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10653671
Electrical system

I was trying to shut down my car and even though my car was in park, I couldn't get my key out of the ignition. When I was finally able to, after a few times, the battery light stayed on. It took multiple attempts until I could finally shut off my car with the car battery not being drained. Additionally, and I don't know when this started, both of the back doors no longer will open from the inside and the suv back won't open from the outside. The ac blowers will blow cold intermittently. There is plenty of coolant. No dealer will look at it because there are no saab dealers. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10648672
Steering

Power steering lines under the clamp that bolts to the drivers side strut tower have rusted through due to moisture and vibration causing a loss in fluid damaging the pump. After doing a search I found numerous posts about this same issue on the trailblazer, envoy and saab. Poor design and lack of quality caused the failure. *Tr

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10626495
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Was driving down side street, reached for something in passenger seat, drew my hand back making very gentle contact with ignition key in center console and car shut off. I hardly touched the key. This second time in early june, though I hit it with my cup (ice tea from mcdonalds). Then this weekend it happened again. It is very easy to bump it with your arm and have it shut off. I called gmc and they informed me that they wouldn't fix it, even though to me it seems like the same issue as with their...

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other cars that are being recalled for the same reason. I think it should be recalled, and suspect that the ignition is the same that is in the gmc envoy, trailblazer, etc. Also, the 2007 was recalled, and I think the 2008 should be as well. My car is available for someone to inspect it anytime if you would like to see how easy it is for it to happen. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10607071
Visibility & wipers

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. The contact stated while the drivers window was open, he attempted to close the window but it became stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the door switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 10559397
SteeringEquipment & accessories

2008 Saab 9-7x 5.3I. Consumer expresses complaint against anderson automotive group and saab automobile usa. *Tgw consumer sent in duplicate letter 3/25/2010. *Kb consumer sent additional letter. *Tgw the steering wheel rotation sensor was replaced. *Jb updated 04/14/10.*Jb updated 04/30/10 the consumer the on-star system has been inoperative since december 3, 2009. The consumer was told the module was defective. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to have it repaired. After the repairs, the consumer was told to wait 24 hours and it would reset itself. When the consumer attempted to operate onstar, it was still not working. Updated 05/12/10.*Jb

Filed Incident Steering · EquipmentNHTSA 10321971
Visibility & wipersBody, doors & structure

My front windshield has cracked due to stress and temperature. The automaker is trying to claim that the break is due to stone impact. This is not true. The vehicle was sitting in a parking lot for two weeks and it was very hot. When I went to the vehicle it was cracked. Also when a stone impacts the windshield it will leave a spider fracture and there is not spider fracture on this vehicle. *Tr

Filed Incident Visibility · StructureNHTSA 10280784

Saab 9-7X: every year compared

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

2008 Saab 9-7X vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2008 Saab 9-7X2210B
2008 Saab 9-318435FCompare
2008 Saab 9-3 Wagon18405DCompare
2008 Saab 9-52020CCompare
2008 Saab 9-5 Wagon2000CCompare

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.

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Questions about the 2008 Saab 9-7X

Does the 2008 Saab 9-7X have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Saab 9-7X: headlights (August 2015). 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 2008 Saab 9-7X?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (9), electrical system (6), engine & cooling (4).

How many complaints has the 2008 Saab 9-7X had?

22 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 18, 2009 and the latest on May 21, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2008 Saab 9-7X a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 60 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than 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 2008 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

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