Model year record

2003 SAAB 9-5 recalls & problems

The 2003 SAAB 9-5 has 4 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (29 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints47filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

2003 SAAB 9-5 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SeatsApr 9, 2008

Front assembly › Head restraint

Recall 08V16000057,389 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
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.

Fuel system, gasolineMar 7, 2007

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 07V08700094,377 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
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.
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.

Electrical systemOct 26, 2006

Ignition › Module

Recall 06V4100005,078 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.
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.
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).

WheelsJan 13, 2003

Hub

Recall 03V00600070,726 vehicles

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.
Risk: THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2003 SAAB 9-5 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

9-5

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

9-5

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

9-5 Wagon

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

9-5 Wagon

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

9-5

21mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

9-5

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

9-5 Wagon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

9-5 Wagon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

9-5

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

9-5 Wagon

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Module; Ignition	29	0	0	79,654 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor	8	0	0	77,800 mi
TiresTread/belt	5	0	0	94,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Wheel bearing	5	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	4	0	0	54,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	3	0	0	84,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	3	0	0	50,030 mi
StructureFrame and members	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	0	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	0	—
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	2	0	0	—
Air bags	1	1	3	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
I HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. IT SMELLED LIKE FUEL IN MY CAR.
Dec 5, 2020 · 2 miles
Electrical system
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.
May 6, 2016 · 41,000 miles
Engine
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
Aug 2, 2014 · 131,000 miles
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
May 14, 2014
Electrical system
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
Jul 4, 2011 · 50,030 miles
Electrical system
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.
Jan 19, 2014 · 100,000 miles
Seats
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
Dec 27, 2005
Electrical system
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
Nov 22, 2005

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.