1999 Saab 9-5
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 118
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
75% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 118 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 118 |
| 2000 | 102 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 65 |
| 2003 | 49 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
75% · 89 reportsMost commonly citing module and ignition.
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing engine and turbo/supercharger.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle will stall intermittently while in stop and go traffic with a/c on. Defect has occurred 6 times. Dealer cannot determine cause of defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-16
Fuel system, gasoline
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
Service brakes
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Air bags
3% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 35 MPH, the consumer lost control of the vehicle on a snowy. The consumers vehicle was then struck on the side and the air bags failed to deploy, however the consumer noticed the air bag light had illuminated after the incident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-27
Driver side airbag deployed while driving in a smooth straightaway country road at about 30-35 MPH. No other cas were around at the time and nobody got seriously hurt, only a minor bruise on the arm.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-05
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Saab 9-5. The contact stated that while parked, the passenger's side impact air bag erroneously deployed. The vehicle was not involved in a crash or any type of impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-18
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-09-01Equipment98V139000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. This does not conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "Occupant crash protection."
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.
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R
2003-03-31Wheels03V006000 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…
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.
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I
2005-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-23 Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 89 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V139000 · Equipment
- Recall 03V006000 · Wheels
FAQ
- Is the 1999 Saab 9-5 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saab 9-5?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Saab 9-5 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.