MYRModel Year Report

2002 Saab 9-5

○ Not enough data
2002 Saab 9-5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:48.894Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
65
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

62% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 118 complaints 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2002: 65 complaints 2002 65 2003: 49 complaints 2004: 19 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2010: 2 complaints 2010 2011: 9 complaints
1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 118 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 65 complaints 2002 65 2003: 49 complaints 2003 2004: 19 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2007 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 2 complaints 2010 2011: 9 complaints 2011
1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 118 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 65 complaints 2002 65 2003: 49 complaints 2003 2004: 19 complaints 2004 2005: 11 complaints 2005 2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2007 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 2 complaints 2010 2011: 9 complaints 2011

2002: 65 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19981
1999118
2000102
200182
200265
200349
200419
200511
200623
200717
200820
20092
20102
20119

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

62% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Dt: consumer states on October 6, 2005 while driving on a road the vehicle caught on fire. The fuel line was ripped, and one smelled gasoline all over the passenger side of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-12

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.

FIRE

Seat belts

5% · 3 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Hello...I need to ask for your help. I have a 2002 Saab 9-5 which has a problem with the front passenger side seat belt. It does not retract and therefore the passenger is unprotected. I know that Saab has a history of this being a problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-21

Power train

5% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2002-01-18Steering02V006000 The steering knuckle castings on certain passenger vehicles may have been contaminated during the casting process.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle for the casting number. If the knuckle was in the defective batch, the steering knuckle will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2005-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-23 Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
  4. 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2007-06-13Fuel system, gasoline07V087000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2008-11-25Seats08V160000 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."…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    Date not on fileElectrical system06V410000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 40 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06V410000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 02V006000 · Steering
  • Recall 03V006000 · Wheels
  • Recall 05V399000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07V087000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 08V160000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 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 2002 Saab 9-5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Saab 9-5 have?
6 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.