2002 Saab 9-5: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 53 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (48% of complaints); the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“On feb 20, 2013, I went to gillys, a local tire company, sold me two tires and welded a cracked rim. On mar 2, 2013 the tire blew out and upon inspection at walmart automotive. It was discovered the tire was illegally plugged on inner wall. The rim had recracked. This violates 49 cfr 570.10 wheel assemblies. The company that sold me the faulty tires without my knowledge. I believed I was purchasing two used tires without plugs, but received two tires which should never be on the road. Once I notified the tire shop, the owner disputed the findings despite two letters from separate tire shops. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2013
“Had a head-on accident, traveling approximately 55mph, car pulled out going across intersection, hit head-on. Slammed on brakes noticing she was going, and slammed into her car, her car turned around 180 degs. My airbags did not deploy, nor did the seat belt lock up, which allowed me to go forward in the accident. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2010
“Passenger side seat belt. Just riding down the road and heard a spring popping sound near passenger door. Then passenger belt went limp with person in the seat. The belt had no tension and would not retract. Called dealer and they said no recall campaign for this problem and I have to pay to repair. Huge safety issue that should be covered by manufacturer as the part must be defective. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-5. While driving at speeds of 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle lost power steering and braking ability. The contact was able to move the vehicle off the roadway and restart the vehicle. The vehicle resumed normal operation upon restarting. The dealer was contacted and advised that the electrical ignition module would need to be replaced. In addition, there was a recall for the failure yet his VIN was not included in the campaign (NHTSA campaign id number 06v410000- electrical system: ignition: module. The manufacturer confirmed the dealer's advice and would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2010
“Car just cutting off while driving almost rear ended two times, as happens without notice, took to shop, was diagnosed as ignition cassette. Witch was recalled, but still defective.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2010
“2002 saab 9-5 has had failure of headlight bulbs at a rate of one or two per year from the very first year I have owned this car. No other bulb has burned out in the past 8 yr. A local garage mechanic told me it was related to a faulty front electrical harness in the saab but the dealer said this was not a recall, even though it has been a problem from the first year of ownership. Now I have 2 headlight bulbs burning out within one day of each other -- one high beam, one regular. Is there a recall of electrical harness on saabs to correct frequent headlight bulb burnout? So far I have just been replacing the bulbs at $50/bulb at the rate of one or two per year. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-5. The contact stated that he has not experienced any failures at this time with the air bags; however, he feels that they will not deploy during a crash. He also believes that they may deploy without warning at any time. The air bags are running through a central ribbon cable and nothing else connected to that cable is functioning properly. The central warning light is illuminated, which could also cause the air bags to malfunction. The vehicle was purchased two weeks ago and the central warning light was also illuminated at that time. The dealer did not determine what caused the light to illuminate. The current mileage was 117,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-5. The contact recently received a recall letter regarding the fuel pump retaining tabs. He stated that the only local saab dealer in his area is no longer servicing saab, and the next closest dealer is 151 miles away. He does not want to drive his vehicle that far because it may fail or have a negative effect due to the recall. No failures have occurred at this time. The current and failure mileages were 35,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2007
“Transmission "clunk" occurred with shifting from reverse to drive. Dealer diagnosed valve body and recommended transmission rebuild. Aamco diagnosed same issue resulting from metal shavings being released from torque converter into transmission. Entire transmission including torque coverter needed to be replaced at 74,000 miles.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-5. The contact received a recall notice in reference to the fuel pump retaining tabs, which may result in fuel leakage and a fire. He stated that the notice suggested having the repair done at an authorized dealer six miles away, while his auto mechanic shop is right down the street. The dealer will not provide him with a loaner vehicle. He notified the manufacturer about having to take his vehicle to an authorized dealer. The VIN, engine size, and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage is 85,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Jun 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
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.
Remedy: 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).
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
THE STEERING KNUCKLE CASTINGS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED DURING THE CASTING PROCESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE FOR THE CASTING NUMBER. IF THE KNUCKLE WAS IN THE DEFECTIVE BATCH, THE STEERING KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2002. 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 9-5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Saab 9-5 reliable?
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Saab 9-5. The most complained-about area is electrical system (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Saab 9-5 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 54,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Saab 9-5 have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.