2003 Saab 9-5: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (44% of complaints); the 2004 and 2005 model years look 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 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2016
“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”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2014
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5 equipped with hankook tires hkh405, size 225-45-17. The dot and serial numbers were not available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the front tires tread was worn prematurely. The tires were replaced. The failure mileage was 12,000 updated 08-24-12 *bf”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2012
“Check engine light kept going on and off and car had made a loud popping noise from the electrical system, when trying to start one day. I checked online for recalls, which stated there was a recall for electrical, ignition issues. I took my car into a repair shop to check on check engine light. There is a recall 06v410000, oct 26 2006 for this very issue but for 6 cylinder, and mine is a 4 cylinder engine. The repair shop replaced the ign cassette. This was a very expensive repair, $582.45 and should be covered by saab. My car could have caught on fire. What do you have to say about that! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2011
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5 equipped with nexen n5000 tires (n/a). While having the vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer for routine maintenance, he was informed the rear driver side and front passenger side tire both had very large cracks along the sidewall. The tires had not been repaired or replaced. The failure and current mileages were approximately 96,900.”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2010
“Without warning, on two occasions, my wife's 2003 saab 9-5 aero wagon has stopping running while she was driving in traffic at approximately 45 miles per hour. The car has been factory maintained and is in excellent condition. Obviously, it is very dangerous to have the vehicle stop running without any warning. The car had a new fuel pump and crankshaft sensor installed but the problem recurred about 6 weeks after the repair. Thank you for your time and consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).*tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact experienced ignition cassette failure, which controls the sparks plugs. The dealer replaced the ignition at the cost of $500; however, the contact wants to be reimbursed. He was informed to call the saab manufacturer and report the issue. The failure mileage was 39,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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 2003 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 2003 Saab 9-5 reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Saab 9-5. The most complained-about area is electrical system (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Saab 9-5 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,400 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have open recalls?
4 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.