NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Saab 9-5 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Saab 9-5 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 47 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 2003 Saab 9-5, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2003 Saab 9-5 owner complaints

Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Saab 9-5, describing incidents dated March 19, 2003 to December 5, 2020.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 25 complaints
Engine 9 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 7 complaints
Suspension 5 complaints
Tires 5 complaints
Equipment 3 complaints

Of the 47 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 47 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11383122 · Filed December 12, 2020
I HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. IT SMELLED LIKE FUEL IN MY CAR.
ODI #10864571 · Filed May 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL DOOR LOCKS WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN ACTIVATED BY THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
ODI #10618403 · Filed August 2, 2014
AFTER DRIVING MY CAR TO MY DESTINATION, I PUT THE CAR IN PARK BUT THE CAR WON'T STAY IN PARK. THE CAR POPS OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE, THEN IT WON'T START WHEN I GET BACK INTO MY CAR. *TR

Read all 47 complaints

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 February 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003 (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 June 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003 (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.

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).

2003 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: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

47 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Saab 9-5.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11383122

Incident: December 5, 2020 · Filed: December 12, 2020

I HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. IT SMELLED LIKE FUEL IN MY CAR.

Electrical System

ODI #10864571

Incident: May 6, 2016 · Filed: May 12, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL DOOR LOCKS WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN ACTIVATED BY THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #10618403

Incident: August 2, 2014 · Filed: August 2, 2014

AFTER DRIVING MY CAR TO MY DESTINATION, I PUT THE CAR IN PARK BUT THE CAR WON'T STAY IN PARK. THE CAR POPS OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE, THEN IT WON'T START WHEN I GET BACK INTO MY CAR. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10611334

Incident: May 14, 2014 · Filed: July 17, 2014

TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Electrical System; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10573322

Incident: July 4, 2011 · Filed: March 19, 2014

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR WHEN DEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT.I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND THERE WAS A GAS STATION RIGHT NEAR BY. IT DID NOT START UP NORMALLY AND WAS VERY SLUGGISH. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT FORTUNATELY NOT HEAVY TRAFFIC AND IN THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS VERY SCARY. THEY TOWED MY SAAB TO A SAAB DEALER FOR ME WHO HAD TO INSTALL A NEW IGNITION. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 4-5 YEARS AGO ON MY SAAB 2003 9-5 STATION WAGON WHICH WAS BUILT BY GM. I BELIEVE IT WAS BUILT ON THE SAME PLATFORM OF ONE OF THE CADILLACS THAT IS UNDER RECALL. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10562209

Incident: January 19, 2014 · Filed: January 30, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES SEIZED AS THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 06V410000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Seat Belts; Seats

ODI #10558047

Incident: December 27, 2005 · Filed: December 31, 2013

THE FRONT SEATBELTS FRAY NEAR WHERE THE BUCKLE SECURES THE BELT WHEN IN USE. THE SEATBELT WAS REPLACED WITH OEM PARTS FOR THIS REASON. THE NEW BELT HAS FRAYED AGAIN OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. OTHERS REPORT SIMILAR PROBLEMS, PERHAPS DUE TO SOMETHING ROUGH ABRADING THE BELT SOMEWHERE ALONG THE BELT PATH. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10558046

Incident: November 22, 2005 · Filed: December 31, 2013

THE HORN OFTEN FAILS TO WORK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED AIRBAG COVER IS PRESSED. THIS IS AN ONGOING, UNRESOLVED PROBLEM. A DEALER REPLACED A PART UNDER WARRANTY BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER 2002+ 9-5S WITH THE SAME HORN FAILURE ISSUE. *TR

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10496946

Incident: January 22, 2013 · Filed: February 9, 2013

I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STALLED LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER AT THE ACCELERATOR. IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD TO DEPRESS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP BLOCKING THE ENTRANCE/EXIT OF A GAS STATION. I WAS LESS THEN 200 FEET FROM WHERE I WAS TURNING ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP OF A HIGHWAY. THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT WAS VERY UPSET TELLING ME I CAN NOT LEAVE MY CAR THERE. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE SERVICE STATION FOR OVER 2 WEEKS NOW. THE TECHNICIAN IS UNABLE TO FIND THE REASON THE CAR STALLED. HOWEVER HE EXPLAINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL PUMP RELAY ARE OPERATIONAL. HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY GETTING TO THE FUEL PUMP. HE HAS ALREADY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF CHECKING ALL SENSORS AND RELAYS. DURING MY OWN RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT THESE CARS HAVE FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WITH MANY RECALLS ON THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC). AT THIS POINT, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH 2 YOUNG CHILDREN AND RELY ON THIS AUTOMOBILE ON A DAILY BASIS. IN FACT, I HAD JUST DROPPED MY DAUGHTER (9 YEARS OLD) OFF AT DANCING SCHOOL. I WAS JUST ON THE HIGHWAY 20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DROPPING MY DAUGHTER OFF AT DANCING SCHOOL. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN WITHOUT CAUSE AND WARNING. WOULD YOU PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY INFORMATION VIA E-MAIL OR REGULAR MAIL THAT WOULD HELP ASSURE ME THIS PROBLEM WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. IF YOU KNOW THIS CAR IS PROBLEMATIC THEN PLEASE INFORM ME TO SELL THE CAR SO I CAN GET A MORE RELIABLE CAR THAT WILL PREVENT THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR

Tires

ODI #10466572

Incident: June 19, 2012 · Filed: July 19, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5 EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES HKH405, SIZE 225-45-17. THE DOT AND SERIAL NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT TIRES TREAD WAS WORN PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 UPDATED 08-24-12 *BF

Other Saab 9-5 model years

Check your 2003 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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