2005 Saab 9-5: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension.
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 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 9-5 saab. The contact stated that while traveling 70 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated repeatedly as the vehicle began to sputter and jerk. The contact then merged to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence and was later taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the fuel line failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure and current mileages were 122,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2012
“Running lights will not turn off, even after the car is stopped and the key is out of the ignition, causing the battery to run down. *js”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2012
“Because of improper design, rear wire harness for reverse lights are being severed causing the reversing lights not to work. This same design flaw can be attributed to the failure of brake lights and electronic trunk release/lock. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2011
Show 4 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 9-5 saab. The contact stated that while making a turn she crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags did deploy after the crash occurred and the driver received injuries to her face and mouth. A police report was filed. She was not transported to the hospital. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised her that the way the she crashed into the vehicle, the air bags would not deploy. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 07/18/11 *bf updated 3/6/12 *cn”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2010
“My 2005 saab 9-5 arc right front coil spring broke while my wife was driving the vehicle causing extensive tire damage. The vehicle is being repaired requiring the replacement of both coil springs along with the cv boot. The total cost for repairs is approximately $1200.00 along with the above repairs the tire was also replaced at a cost of $100.00. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2010
“The factory floor mat slipped forward and was wedged to the accelerator pedal so that the pedal stuck at almost full throttle. Avoided a collision by shifting into neutral, stopping, and realizing the mat was jammed into the accelerator pedal. I extricated the mat from the pedal and restored the function to normal. The car has restraining pins designed to hold the mat in place but the design is flawed, especially if the mat curls in that area. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Nov 2009
“Noticed abnormal / early rear tire wear. Noticed abnormal (out of manufacturers spec.) rear camber. Noticed rear suspension bottom out with moderate loads (approx 1/2 of max load). Oem rear tires cupped and required replacement prematurely due to abnormal rear camber. New tires installed. Rear aftermarket camber shims installed. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - 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 2005 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 2005 Saab 9-5 reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Saab 9-5. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 2005 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.