MYRModel Year Report

2003 Saab 9-5

○ Not enough data
2003 Saab 9-5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:00:00.899Z

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
49
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

59% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 118 complaints 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2002: 65 complaints 2003: 49 complaints 2003 49 2004: 19 complaints 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 2003: 49 complaints 2003 49 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 2003: 49 complaints 2003 49 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

2003: 49 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

59% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

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, 2013-02-09

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

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, 2004-10-21

We purchased our 2003 9-5 arc in March of 2003. Immediately, I noticed the exhaust smelled of human gas, seriously. Soon after the stench seeped into the cab of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-12

Tires

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

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, 2012-07-19

Suspension

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 4 reports

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

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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 →

  3. 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 →

  4. 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

2003 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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

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 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.