2011 Saab 9-5
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2011: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Exterior lighting
5 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
Premature wear (Burn-out) of the halogen-style light bulbs in each of the rear turn signal and brake lights (The halogen lights serve as both a turn signal and brake light). The halogen lights appear to burn out every 4-6 months.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-08
Also filed under Structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Saab 9-5. The contact stated that the check rear taillight warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both tail light bulb sockets needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-23
Service brakes
2 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2011 Saab 9-5 is currently in the Saab repair shop to have the brake pedal replaced. The brake pedal would not return to its proper position and was locking the brakes on and also locking the brake lights on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-05
Structure
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Steering
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Have a 2011 9-5 aero and just hit 58K. Very recently I've been noticing the popping/thudding when driving away quickly with the wheel turned, ex: when pulling away from a stop sign and turning left/right.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-22
Also filed under Power train
Power train
1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Saab 9-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2011 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 2011 Saab 9-5?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Saab 9-5 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.