2004 Saab 9-5 — Model Year Report: verdict, complaints & recalls

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2004: 19 complaints

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

Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250510

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140314

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WITH HER PURSE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140306

TIRES

2 of 19 total reports mention: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

KUMHO ECSTA LX PLATINUM 225/45ZR17 TIRE ON LEFT FRONT OF SAAB 9-5 WITH APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES USE BLEW OUT SUDDENLY (RAPID LOSS OF AIR) AND WITHOUT WARNING AT 35 MPH. APPEARS TO HAVE SEVERAL CRACKS IN SIDEWALL NEAR TREAD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130410

AFTER SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION UNDER FRONT END AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS APPEARING AT LESS THAN 10,000 MILES, CAR UNDERWENT ALIGNMENT AND 3 HIGH SPEED BALANCES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050224

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 of 19 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250510

ENGINE

2 of 19 total reports mention: engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250510

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20070613 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20081125 — seats

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 07V087000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 08V160000 (seats) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 2004 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 2004 Saab 9-5?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.