NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Saab 9-5 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Saab 9-5 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 54 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Saab dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Saab 9-5, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2002 Saab 9-5 owner complaints

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Saab 9-5, describing incidents dated October 21, 2002 to March 2, 2013.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 28 complaints
Engine 8 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 7 complaints
Power Train 3 complaints
Seat Belts 3 complaints
Unknown or Other 3 complaints

Of the 54 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 54 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10596487 · Filed June 5, 2014
THE ENGINE ON MY 4 CYLINDER SAAB 9-5 (2002) HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST 4 TIMES SINCE OWNING THE CAR, BOTH ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN SLOWER TRAFFIC. THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED OFFICIALLY (2007) TO THE DEALER, "NO CAUSE WAS IDENTIFIED." I NOTICED THE LAST TIME THAT IT HAPPENED (AROUND MAY…
ODI #10576665 · Filed April 2, 2014
IGNITION SWITCH SHUT OFF WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY TWICE! ONCE IN 2006 AND ONCE LATER ANOTHER YEAR PLUS ONCE IN A DRIVEWAY (CAR PURCHASED USED IN THE FALL OF 2005). THE SAAB SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND IF IT IS HIT IT SWITCHES OFF AND SHUTS DOWN THE CAR, SAME AS RECALLED SWITCHES IN…
ODI #10503504 · Filed March 18, 2013
ON FEB 20, 2013, I WENT TO GILLYS, A LOCAL TIRE COMPANY, SOLD ME TWO TIRES AND WELDED A CRACKED RIM. ON MAR 2, 2013 THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND UPON INSPECTION AT WALMART AUTOMOTIVE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TIRE WAS ILLEGALLY PLUGGED ON INNER WALL. THE RIM HAD RECRACKED. THIS VIOLATES 49 CFR 570.10 WHEEL…

Read all 54 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 Saab 9-5 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE05-017: ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Closed September 23, 2005
- Recall 05V-399
- Recall 06V-410

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT/FMVSS 201

NHTSA #08V160000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Head Restraint · NHTSA notice

Reported April 9, 2008 · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 57,389 vehicles

Saab campaign E080101/15204 · Owners notified November 25, 2008 · Vehicles built June 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 COMPLIANCE TESTING, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENTS.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

SAAB RECALL NO. 15204/E080101.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL PUMP

NHTSA #07V087000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported March 7, 2007 · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 94,377 vehicles

Saab campaign 07052 · Owners notified June 13, 2007 · Vehicles built July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Safety consequence

OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer 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 PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Notes

SAAB RECALL NO. 07052 (15018, 06033). CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

ENGINE STALLING

NHTSA #06V410000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Module · NHTSA notice

Reported October 26, 2006 · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 5,078 vehicles

Saab campaign 05087/15021B · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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 LOADS.

Safety consequence

OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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. NOTE: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 05V399).

Notes

SAAB RECALL NO. 05087/15021B. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR OVERHEATING/BURNOUT

NHTSA #05V399000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Module · NHTSA notice

Reported September 14, 2005 · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 103,202 vehicles

Saab campaign 15021 · Owners notified March 13, 2006 · Vehicles built June 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND 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 LOADS.

Safety consequence

OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Notes

SAAB RECALL NO. 05087.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SAAB/WHEEL/TIRE CORROSION

NHTSA #03V006000 · Wheels — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported January 13, 2003 · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 70,726 vehicles

Saab campaign 15013 · Owners notified March 31, 2003 · Vehicles built November 26, 1997 – October 10, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 CONTAMINATION TO BUILD UP ON THE WHEEL HUB DURING THE STEEL WHEEL USAGE. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE CONTAMINATION IS NOT REMOVED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AFTER THE TIRE CHANGE SERVICE, SOME OF THIS CONTAMINATION COULD FLAKE OR GRIND AWAY RESULTING IN REDUCED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE WHEEL TO THE HUB. OVER SEVERAL SEASONS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS REDUCED FORCE COULD RESULT IN FRACTURES DEVELOPING IN THE WHEEL BOLTS DUE TO WHEEL TO HUB MOVEMENT.

Safety consequence

THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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. THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE WHEELS, CLEAN ANY CONTAMINATION FROM THE WHEEL AND WHEEL HUB, AND REPLACE THE WHEELS USING NEW IMPROVED BOLTS WITH ATTACHED WASHERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Notes

SAAB RECALL NO. 15013. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SAAB/STEERING KNUCKLE

NHTSA #02V006000 · Steering — Linkages — Knuckle — Spindle — Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported January 4, 2002 · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 2,601 vehicles

Owners notified January 18, 2002 · Vehicles built September 13, 2001 – November 9, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE STEERING KNUCKLE CASTINGS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED DURING THE CASTING PROCESS.

Safety consequence

THESE KNUCKLES CAN BREAK, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE FOR THE CASTING NUMBER. IF THE KNUCKLE WAS IN THE DEFECTIVE BATCH, THE STEERING KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2002 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

54 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Saab 9-5.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10596487

Incident: August 10, 2007 · Filed: June 5, 2014

THE ENGINE ON MY 4 CYLINDER SAAB 9-5 (2002) HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST 4 TIMES SINCE OWNING THE CAR, BOTH ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN SLOWER TRAFFIC. THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED OFFICIALLY (2007) TO THE DEALER, "NO CAUSE WAS IDENTIFIED." I NOTICED THE LAST TIME THAT IT HAPPENED (AROUND MAY 2011) THAT IT SEEMED TO COINCIDE WITH INADVERTENTLY BUMPING INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH LIGHTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE SYMPTOMS MATCH THAT OF ANOTHER OWNER'S COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE FOR THE 2002 SAAB 9-5. I EXPECTED MY CAR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECENT RECALL INVOLVING THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH BUT GOT NO NOTIFICATION. I HAVE ALSO PAID IN JUNE 2008 AND AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2009 AND JANUARY 2013 TO REPLACE/RESET A FAULTY IGNITION CASSETTE, WHICH I BELIEVE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF A RECALL CAMPAIGN AND NOT CHARGED TO ME, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IN SUMMARY, DUE TO THE CAR SHUTTING OFF, I FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE AND THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECENT GMC RECALL. AND THAT THE FAULTY IGNITION CASSETTE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND NOT REPLACED AT OWNER EXPENSE MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE DOCUMENTED SERVICE RECORDS OF THE ABOVE INCIDENTS. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10576665

Incident: July 19, 2006 · Filed: April 2, 2014

IGNITION SWITCH SHUT OFF WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY TWICE! ONCE IN 2006 AND ONCE LATER ANOTHER YEAR PLUS ONCE IN A DRIVEWAY (CAR PURCHASED USED IN THE FALL OF 2005). THE SAAB SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND IF IT IS HIT IT SWITCHES OFF AND SHUTS DOWN THE CAR, SAME AS RECALLED SWITCHES IN OTHER GM CARS. VERY DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT I WAS LUCKY AND ABLE TO STEER TO THE SIDE WITHOUT A CRASH. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A LOCK MECHANISM TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING. IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME TO REPORT IT THOUGH IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD IN A WHAT WAS AT THE TIME A GM OWNED PRODUCT. I STILL OWN THE CAR AND DRIVE IT DAILY ON THE SAME HIGHWAY, HOWEVER AM VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE ISSUE. I WASN'T AWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE SHUT DOWN UNTIL IT HAPPENED THE SECOND TIME A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST TIME. YOU SHOULD INCLUDE SAAB IN THE RECALL OF GM PRODUCTS. *TR

Tires; Wheels

ODI #10503504

Incident: March 2, 2013 · Filed: March 18, 2013

ON FEB 20, 2013, I WENT TO GILLYS, A LOCAL TIRE COMPANY, SOLD ME TWO TIRES AND WELDED A CRACKED RIM. ON MAR 2, 2013 THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND UPON INSPECTION AT WALMART AUTOMOTIVE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TIRE WAS ILLEGALLY PLUGGED ON INNER WALL. THE RIM HAD RECRACKED. THIS VIOLATES 49 CFR 570.10 WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. THE COMPANY THAT SOLD ME THE FAULTY TIRES WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. I BELIEVED I WAS PURCHASING TWO USED TIRES WITHOUT PLUGS, BUT RECEIVED TWO TIRES WHICH SHOULD NEVER BE ON THE ROAD. ONCE I NOTIFIED THE TIRE SHOP, THE OWNER DISPUTED THE FINDINGS DESPITE TWO LETTERS FROM SEPARATE TIRE SHOPS. *TR

Seat Belts

ODI #10481290

Incident: August 1, 2012 · Filed: October 21, 2012

HELLO...I NEED TO ASK FOR YOUR HELP. I HAVE A 2002 SAAB 9-5 WHICH HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT DOES NOT RETRACT AND THEREFORE THE PASSENGER IS UNPROTECTED. I KNOW THAT SAAB HAS A HISTORY OF THIS BEING A PROBLEM. MY ATTEMPTS TO GET SOME HELP FROM SAAB HAVE BEEN FUTILE. IF THIS WAS A MINOR ITEM, I WOULD JUST PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $450 TO HAVE THE SEAT BELT FIXED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THAT. ISN'T THIS THE KIND OF VERY BASIC THING THAT A VEHICLE OWNER SHOULD EXPECT WHEN THEY PURCHASE A CAR? ALSO, ISN'T THIS THE VERY BASIC KIND OF THING THAT A VEHICLE MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING TO ITS CUSTOMERS, AT A REASONABLE COST? I EXIST ON A VERY LIMITED INCOME (SOCIAL SECURITY) AND CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY $450 TO FIX THIS. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN OTHER YEARS AND MODELS OF SAAB. CAN I ASK FOR YOUR HELP IN TRYING TO GET SAAB TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION? THANK YOU. *TR

Air Bags; Seat Belts

ODI #10359106

Crash 1 injury

Incident: September 27, 2010 · Filed: October 4, 2010

HAD A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT, TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, CAR PULLED OUT GOING ACROSS INTERSECTION, HIT HEAD-ON. SLAMMED ON BRAKES NOTICING SHE WAS GOING, AND SLAMMED INTO HER CAR, HER CAR TURNED AROUND 180 DEGS. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP, WHICH ALLOWED ME TO GO FORWARD IN THE ACCIDENT. *TR

Seat Belts

ODI #10351185

Incident: August 17, 2010 · Filed: August 22, 2010

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. JUST RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A SPRING POPPING SOUND NEAR PASSENGER DOOR. THEN PASSENGER BELT WENT LIMP WITH PERSON IN THE SEAT. THE BELT HAD NO TENSION AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID NO RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURER AS THE PART MUST BE DEFECTIVE. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10334616

Incident: June 4, 2010 · Filed: June 4, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION UPON RESTARTING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE YET HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V410000- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S ADVICE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #10307484

Incident: January 24, 2010 · Filed: February 8, 2010

CAR JUST CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ALMOST REAR ENDED TWO TIMES, AS HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE, TOOK TO SHOP, WAS DIAGNOSED AS IGNITION CASSETTE. WITCH WAS RECALLED, BUT STILL DEFECTIVE.

Electrical System

ODI #10261651

Incident: August 15, 2007 · Filed: March 12, 2009

WE HAVE A COMPLAINT REGARDING RECALL 05V399000 FOR OUR 2002 SAAB 9-5 AERO. OUR IDM SERIAL NUMBER FALLS WITHIN THOSE REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED BY THE RECALL. HOWEVER, SAAB WILL NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE OUR VIN # DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THEIR RECALL. OUR IDM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. OUR SAAB WAS DELIVERED IN GERMANY (IT IS US SPEC) TO A SERVICEMEMBER STATIONED THERE. WE BOUGHT IT USED WHILE STATIONED OVER THERE. NO RECALL NOTICES WERE SENT TO US OVER THERE. WE JUST STARTED GETTING RECALL NOTICES ONCE WE SHIPPED THE CAR TO THE STATES. WE HAD TO PROVIDE OUR CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN TO SAAB. SAAB TOLD US THEY HAD NO IDEA OUR CAR EXISTED UNTIL WE GAVE THEM THE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN (WHICH SOUNDS FISHY). THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED BEFORE WE MOVED BACK TO THE STATES. OUR DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS OUR IDM SERIAL NUMBER AND THE PROBLEM WITH IT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL. BUT SAAB WILL NOT REIMBURSE THEM FOR REPLACING IT. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10260332

Incident: February 27, 2009 · Filed: February 28, 2009

2002 SAAB 9-5 HAS HAD FAILURE OF HEADLIGHT BULBS AT A RATE OF ONE OR TWO PER YEAR FROM THE VERY FIRST YEAR I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. NO OTHER BULB HAS BURNED OUT IN THE PAST 8 YR. A LOCAL GARAGE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS RELATED TO A FAULTY FRONT ELECTRICAL HARNESS IN THE SAAB BUT THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS NOT A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. NOW I HAVE 2 HEADLIGHT BULBS BURNING OUT WITHIN ONE DAY OF EACH OTHER -- ONE HIGH BEAM, ONE REGULAR. IS THERE A RECALL OF ELECTRICAL HARNESS ON SAABS TO CORRECT FREQUENT HEADLIGHT BULB BURNOUT? SO FAR I HAVE JUST BEEN REPLACING THE BULBS AT $50/BULB AT THE RATE OF ONE OR TWO PER YEAR. *TR

Other Saab 9-5 model years

Check your 2002 Saab 9-5 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Saab 9-5 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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