2000 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
- 102
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2000
Opened by NHTSA
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2000: 102 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
62% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing module and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
In March 2006 my 2000 Saab 9-5 wagon burst into flames under the hood and the entire front end of the car burned. The car was totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-16
Service brakes
17% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
There is a very strong polluted smell of fumes coming from the exhaust system. Odor has caused the driver to be very uncomfortable while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-22
Fuel system, gasoline
10% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Noxious terrible smell --sue to a poorly designed catalytic converter---replaced cataltic converter w/new design nothing helped--sulphurous smell that irriates wife's…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-21
A loud noise is coming from the gas tank as gas moves in the tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-19
Visibility
5% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and fan/motor.
Safety timeline
3 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
2001-07-30Air bags01V168000 Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "Occupant crash protection." The air bag alert labels may not be permanently affixed as required…
Remedy: Dealers will clean the sunvisor surface and apply a new air bag alert label on both sunvisors. Owner notification began July 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…
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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
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R
2006-03-13Electrical system05V399000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2000 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V168000 · Air bags
- Recall 03V006000 · Wheels
- Recall 05V399000 · Electrical system
FAQ
- Is the 2000 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 2000 Saab 9-5?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2000 Saab 9-5 have?
- 3 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.