My 2000 saab 9-5 aero wagon has a problem of occasionally not starting. You can tune the ignition switch and power comes on but the engine will not turn over. If you allow it to sit awhile, then it seems to start. I replaced the crankshaft sensor, but it still does this. I noticed there may have been recalls. *Tr
Electrical system
Saab Aero Electrical problems by year
6 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Saab Aero's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.
Electrical complaints by model year
Latest Aero electrical complaints
The airbag warning light comes on without notice, and horn stops working, took to dealer who said it was the clock spring and this is a typical problem. It is a safety issue as the airbag is needed to prevent injuries. I have heard of other people being injured by this. (The 9-5 is the same as the 95 and the 952 and the aero). *Tr
The direct ignition module/cassette failed on my 2001 9-5 aero and I had to have it repaired at the dealership. I just discovered on the saab bulletin board (i.E. Saabnet) that this part fails regularly in saabs, particularly in the 2001 9-5s. *Jb
Electrical fire and failure of ignition module. *Ak
2001 Saab aero while traveling in the fast lane of a freeway at 65 mph without warning experienced complete loss of power. Fortunately, the car made it across 3 lanes of traffic to the shoulder (rainy day at dusk); the emergency flashers then failed within 25 minutes. Diagnosed as a direct ignition cassette (dic) failure, but flashers failure could not be duplicated. Mechanic stated that the dic failure was common, but replacements seldom failed. In our small circle, our next door neighbor had dic failure with his 2000 saab 9-5 and stated we were the only saab owners he hadn't known to have the problem; a colleague of my wife's had dic failure while also driving on a freeway.
In both my 2001 saab 9-5 and my 1999 saab 9-3, upon entering the vehicle when I lock the electronic doors and turn the ignition key in quick succession, the door locks open. Although this problem was demonstrated to the saab dealer, they could not remedy the problem. I believe their has been a chronic problem of electrical charge build-up in the ignition console (where the door lock switch is located), and when locking the doors and starting the ignition are performed in quick succession, it causes an electrical...
Read the full complaint
short which pops open the locks. My 1996 saab 900 had a similar problem, but in that case, after lowering the windows (switches also in ignition console), there was an electrical charge build-up which prevented raising the windows for approximately 3-5 seconds. *Jb
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