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
- 20
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 20 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 118 |
| 2000 | 102 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 65 |
| 2003 | 49 |
| 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.
Air bags
19 of 20 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
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, 2020-01-28
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, 2014-03-21
Also filed under Electrical system
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, 2008-10-24
Electrical system
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-19
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
-
R
2017-03-01Air bags16V063000 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.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V160000 · Seats
- Recall 16V063000 · Air bags
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 95% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Saab 9-5 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.