1999 Saab 9-5: problems, recalls and reliability

“Vacuum brake booster filled with oil leaking from defective vacuum pump resulting in brake failure. Defective ABS module causes brakes to suddenly lock up immobilizing car. This is a design failure in the electronic ABS braking system in my opinion. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2011

“My 1999 saab's direct ignition cassette has failed -- a very common occurrence in this model, for which a recall was issued. That recall, however, excluded 1999 model years for reasons unknown to anyone I have spoken with. My car is essentially identical to a 2000 saab 9-5, which is covered under recall. Had my part failed while driving, I would have been left with no power brakes, steering, etc... This is my wife's car, in which we carry our newborn daughter. It's a very low-mileage car (83k miles) that I take meticulous care of. This part should not fail, and should certainly be recalled if a pattern of failures exists (which it does). Thank you! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2011

“1999 saab 9-5 wagon passenger side (side) airbag deployed while sitting still. Gm is dragging their heels and not offering a rental car and I was told today that if I need a car to drive, I can pick the car up from dealership but they cannot guarantee that another airbag will not deploy. This is quite a scary prospect. Gm sent an inspector over a week later and I'm still waiting on a report. Meanwhile we are stuck without a car and no guarantee for payment on a rental so no rental. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2010

“1999 saab 9-5 engine just shuts down while driving or idling. There was a recall of the ignition control unit on the 2000. Dealer said it's the same problem on the 1999 but wasn't included in the recall. Icm has been replaced twice at the dealer, the last time being 2 years ago and needs to be replaced again. Gm says nothing they can do since the 1999 wasn't included in the recall. Someone is going to get hurt taking an off ramp on the highway and having the car just turn off. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2009

“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-5. The contact stated that her ignition cassette was failing and needed to be replaced. When she starts her vehicle, it moves sluggishly and makes noise. The check engine indicator remains illuminated and an excessive amount of fumes exit the exhaust. The dealer stated that the ignition cassette needed to be replaced and was harming the engine. The failure mileage was 135,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2008

“As reported by the auto dealers service department, a seam on the top of the non-metallic fuel tank has separated and developed a leak. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2008

“Engine seized due to oil sludging causing the car to stop in traffic on an incline at night on a street with out lighting. It seized without warning and was part of a recall two years ago but I was never notified of it. I found out after the incident from a repair shop. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2007