2003 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 118 |
| 2000 | 102 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 53 |
| 2003 | 47 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STALLED LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER AT THE ACCELERATOR. IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD TO DEPRESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130209
11% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5 EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES HKH405, SIZE 225-45-17. THE DOT AND SERIAL NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120719
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE STALLED ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS FROM VARIOUS SPEEDS OF 25 MPH OR MORE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041021
6% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CONTAMIN
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.
Campaign 03V006000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Campaign 07V087000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 08V160000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 06V410000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V410000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V006000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V087000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V160000 (seats) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Saab 9-5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.