2004 Saab 9-5: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
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 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the crank shaft position sensor, fuel pump, and the twice unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 51,108.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2014
“Kumho ecsta lx platinum 225/45zr17 tire on left front of saab 9-5 with approximately 25,000 miles use blew out suddenly (rapid loss of air) and without warning at 35 mph. Appears to have several cracks in sidewall near tread. Prior to blowout, slight left pull in car steering was noted during interstate driving, but assumed to be alignment issue since all tires maintained normal pressure. Tire was replaced; dealer determined tire was defective (possible internal belt slip). Failed tire is available from owner. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2013
“A recall was previously issued for saab direct ignition cassette failures for model years 2000 through 2002. My 2004 saab 9-5 arc, which has 46,180 miles on it, had to have the di cassette replaced today due to failure. My model year should have been included in this recall due to the limited (less than reasonable) life of the part. *tt”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2011
Show 6 more owner reports
“I have owned a 2004 saab 9-5 sport combi wagon since 2006. Twice, over the last several years (2011, 2014), my husband and I have been on the highway and had an ignition switch incident where he was the driver and I was the passenger. In both incidents, I turned around to talk to my daughter (2011) and then daughters (2014) and inadvertently bumped the key in the ignition with my knee. The ignition switch is located in the center of the car by the console. It only took a slight tap of my knee and my car shut off while going at speeds of 75-80 mph on the highway. Fortunately, both times my husband was able to put the car into neutral and get the car off to the side of the road. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 sabb 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and took it to the dealer for inspection of the failure where the technician replaced the ignition module. The contact was made aware of a manufacturer's recall for the ignition switch but was advised that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. Updated 10/23/2014*lj the consumer stated the check engine and no automatic warning lights would illuminate on frequently. Updated 8/10/2015*js”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2010
“2004 saab 95 linear wagon liftgate hinge failure hinge may or may not hold the liftgate at the open position. If one is reaching deep into the trunk, liftgate can close by itself, and hit on the back with substantial force. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2009
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that when driving on the highway, the vehicle would suddenly shut down completely. The engine and electrical systems would turn off completely. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was able to be immediately restarted when the failure occurred. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch was most likely the cause for failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current mileage was approximately 74,00. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 12/30/10 *bf updated 01/10/11*jb updated 3/31/14*cn”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2009
“Tl* the contact owns 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that she was traveling 55 mph with her purse on the passenger's side seat. The contact proceeded to exit the highway when the water bottle that was in her purse toppled over and struck the ignition switch, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 95,000. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2007
“On numerous occasions, our 2004 saab 95 would not start. Later it would start. Saab refuses to acknowledge there is a problem. Nothing has been done. There have been 5 instances beginning in may of 2004.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 2004 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 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Saab 9-5. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.