2008 Saab 9-5
Only 20 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
18 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAD MY AIRBAG REPLACED ON RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I NOW HAVE AN ERROR ALERT ON MY DASH INDICATING AN AIR BAG PROBLEM. MY SERVICE TECHNICIAN TELLS ME THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200128
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WOULD REMOVED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140321
I HAVE A 2008 9-5 SAAB AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TURNS ITSELF ON AND OFF WHILE SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND THE CAR IS MOVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081024
2 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING ON FREEWAY, IGNITION SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND CAR LOST ALL POWER. HAD TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT POWER AND THEN RESTART CAR TO CONTINUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140719
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WOULD REMOVED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140321
1 of 20 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
THE 2008 SAAB 95 PASSENGER AIR BAG TURNS ITSELF ON AND OFF WHILE A PASSENGER IS SITTING ON THE SEAT WHILE DRIVING. IT SUPPOSEDLY IS SET FOR 90 LBS PRESSURE BUT MY WIFE AND CHILDREN ARE OVER 120LBS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081022
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017.
Campaign 16V063000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V160000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V063000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 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 2008 Saab 9-5?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 90% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Saab 9-5 have?
2 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.