Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
89.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1214.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1822.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3644.4%
150,000+ miles
67.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2005peak 11Feb 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Saab 9-2X
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE11011Opened 7 Apr 2011Closed 23 Sep 2011SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Front suspension control arm failure
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis...
Recalls on the 2005 Saab 9-2X
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2020002203 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015237660 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators.
Recall 20113481,038 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Saab dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them. Owners may contact 1-800-955-9007 to locate the nearest Saab approved repair facility.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3,000 milesPasadena, MDCrashFire
STEERING
I PURCHASED A 2005 SAAB 9-2X AND SHORTLY AFTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT OCCURED WHEN THE STEERING FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY RESULTING IN THE CAR JUMPING A MEDIAN AND LANDING ON ITS SIDE. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE CAR IGNITED INTO A FIRE STARTING IN THE ENGINE, WHICH QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR. LUCKILY THE PASSENGER AND I MADE IT OUT QUICKLY AND SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #10126967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Coram, NY
AIR BAGS
Does recall supposed to be done under the general motors they’re refusing to do this recall. And it’s the law they have to do this recall not my fault. It’s a sob that was made by Subaru, but it’s GM’s product 05-06.
NHTSA complaint #11641772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coram, NY
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-2X. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V464000 (Suspension) and 15V323000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and Chevrolet 112 (631) 317-2348) were contacted but referred the contact to Subaru for recall repair assistance. The Subaru manufacturer and GM manufacturer were notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11641779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coram, NY
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-2X. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V464000 (Suspension) and 15V323000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and Chevrolet 112 (631) 317-2348) were contacted but referred the contact to Subaru for recall repair assistance. The Subaru manufacturer and GM manufacturer were notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11641779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesIndiana, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-2x. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the control arm fractured. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was told rubber bushings and rubber control arm links could be worn. The control could just break apart from rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2012 under NHTSA campaign number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the failure still occurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure but offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The consumer is still waiting to have the vehicle repaired. The consumer stated after arguing with GM, the appoint was set for July 16, 2021.The consumer stated it was determined to be damage a broken control arm, broken sway bar link, broken sway bar and axle being pulled from the differential. There was a temporary control arm replaced in order for the vehicle to move, but the repairs have not been made for this vehicle. The vehicle will need an alignment and parts replaced upon inspection to see if there is more damage. than initial inspection showed.
NHTSA complaint #11419165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSahuarita, AZ
SUSPENSION
IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN THE SAAB 9-2X COMMUNITY THAT THE REAR STRUT TOWERS RUST OUT AND FALL APART. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS IT IS SO COMMON WHETHER IN A RUST PRONE STATE OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11365493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSahuarita, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY
IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN THE SAAB 9-2X COMMUNITY THAT THE REAR STRUT TOWERS RUST OUT AND FALL APART. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS IT IS SO COMMON WHETHER IN A RUST PRONE STATE OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11365493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKennewick, WA
SUSPENSION
METAL PLATE REAR STRUT TOWERS RUSTING OUT. CONSTANTLY, PRESENTS POTENTIAL FOR SUSPENSION TO FAIL AND REAR RUNNING GEAR TO PUNCTURE THE BODY
NHTSA complaint #11364632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,854 milesClarkston, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
BOTH REAR LEFT AND RIGHT STRUT TOWERS BEGAN RUSTING TO THE POINT THE REAR SUSPENSION ALIGNMENT WAS CONSTANTLY SHIFTING DUE TO THE LACK OF STRUCTURE REMAINING IN THE BODY
NHTSA complaint #11364615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKennewick, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
METAL PLATE REAR STRUT TOWERS RUSTING OUT. CONSTANTLY, PRESENTS POTENTIAL FOR SUSPENSION TO FAIL AND REAR RUNNING GEAR TO PUNCTURE THE BODY
NHTSA complaint #11364632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesColumbus, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FOUR BOLTS THAT THE REAR SEATS ATTACH TO HOLD MOISTURE WHICH THEN INFILTRATES THE STRUT TOWERS AND CAUSES THEM TO ROT OUT. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IS YOU CAN BE DRIVING AND WITHOUT NOTICE, A WHEEL WILL DISCONNECT FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY BECOME A HAZARD THAT FORCES YOU TO WRECK THE CAR SINCE THE WHEEL IS NO LONGER ATTACHED. EVERY SAAB 9-2X HAS THIS ISSUE AND EVERY OWNER EITHER PARTS THE CAR OUT OR HAS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED WHICH I RECENTLY DID TO THE TUNE OF $1,075. JUST TO KEEP THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE. THE FIX REQUIRES THE RUSTED AREA TO BE CUT OUT AND THEN NEW METAL WELDED IN SO IT CAN REGAIN STRUCTURAL RIGIDITY.
NHTSA complaint #11364561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFulshear, TX
SUSPENSION
STRUT TOWERS CORROSION
NHTSA complaint #11364554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,100 milesWalnut, CA
SUSPENSION
MY STRUT TOWERS HAVE BEGUN TO RUST, AND IF I DON'T REPAIR AND WELD IT SOON, MY REAR STRUTS MIGHT RIP THROUGH THE TOWERS. THE REAR STRUT TOWERS OF SAAB 92X RUST OUT OVER TIME DUE TO MOISTURE GETTING THROUGH THE TOWERS AND GETTING TRAPPED UNDER SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL. THIS CAUSES VIRTUALLY EVERY NON-FAIRWEATHER 92X TO UNDERGO A RUSTED STRUT TOWER ON THE FRAME. THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM, THE FIRST RECOMMENDED STEP WHEN BUYING USED IS TO CHECK THESE FRAMES AS THE REAR STRUTS CAN RIP THROUGH WHEN THEY ARE RUSTED AND CAUSE A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. THE ONLY PROPER FIX IS WELDING.
NHTSA complaint #11364592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Barbara, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
IT IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X'S, SUBARU WRX'S THAT THE REAR STRUT TOWERS ARE PRONE TO RUST THROUGH AND CAUSE A REAR STRUT TO COMPLETELY BREAK FREE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A GENERAL MOTORS/SUBARU ISSUE, SINCE THE 9-2X IS ALL SUBARU PARTS WITH SAAB BADGING.
NHTSA complaint #11364534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgefield, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
SEVERE STRUT TOWER RUST WITH MANY PEOPLES COLLAPSING. THIS IS DIRECTLY DUE TO SUBARU AND GMS MANUFACTURING OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11364551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFulshear, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
STRUT TOWERS CORROSION
NHTSA complaint #11364554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesHolt, MI
SUSPENSION
CAR HAS HAD THE RECALL ACTIONS PERFORMED ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE PASSENGER CONTROL ARM FAILED IN THE SAME PLACE ADDRESSED BY THE RECALL, DESPITE HAVING THE 'FIX'. IT FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A PUBLIC ROAD, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND DAMAGE OF MULTIPLE OTHER COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11361112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesSouthbury, CT
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN RIGHT-FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER DRIVE-ABLE AS ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS LOOSE AND RUBBING AGAINST CAR BODY. LUCKILY, CAR WAS ONLY MOVING AT LOW SPEED AT THAT MOMENT AND WAS STOPPED WITHOUT INJURY TO DRIVER OR DAMAGE TO OTHER CARS OR PROPERTY. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED (TAKEN TO NEAREST CHEVROLET DEALER). CHEVY SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASSESSED ISSUE, STATING THAT RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM CORRODED AND BROKE. OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE DAMAGED, AS WELL, AS A RESULT OF CONTROL ARM COLLAPSE. CAR WAS SUBJECT TO SAAB RECALL NO. 15031 (11281). THIS IS ALSO NHTSA RECALL NO. 11V-464, DATED APRIL 2012. RECALL CONCERNS CORROSION OF CONTROL ARMS. THIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL IN SEPTEMBER 2012, WITH CONTROL ARMS BEING INSPECTED AND UNDER-COATED. (SERVICE RECEIPT AVAILABLE IF NEEDED FOR INVESTIGATION.) CHEVY AND SAAB WOULD NOT PROVIDE REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT AS RECALL WAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED OUT. CONCERN IS THAT MANY SAAB AND SUBARU CARS ARE STILL ON THE ROAD WITH POTENTIAL FOR A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11355344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SAAB 9-2X. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V001000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE ROYAL BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 11055 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70816, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO TOOLS NOR A QUALIFIED SAAB TECHNICIAN ON SITE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT ANOTHER GM, CHEVROLET, CADILLAC OR BUICK DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEALER WITH THE TOOLS NEEDED NOR A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN TO DO THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11324244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,800 milesAurora, IL
AIR BAGS
MY CAR WAS REPAIRED AT PATRICK CADILLAC IN SCHAUMBURG, BUT STILL THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT IS ON AT THE DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC OLD ME THAT THE LIGHT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SINCE THE LIGHT IS ON, THAT MEANS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SAFETY AIRBAG. ANOTHER ISSUE IS WITH THE ABS. WHENEVER I STEP ON THE BREAKS, THE ABS SHAKES AS IF IT'S BOUNCING ON THE BREAKS, AND THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEMS? I THOUGHT MY BREAKS NEEDED CHANGING, AND ALL FOUR BREAK PADS WERE CHANGED, BUT THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS.
NHTSA complaint #11258942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,800 milesAurora, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
MY CAR WAS REPAIRED AT PATRICK CADILLAC IN SCHAUMBURG, BUT STILL THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT IS ON AT THE DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC OLD ME THAT THE LIGHT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SINCE THE LIGHT IS ON, THAT MEANS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SAFETY AIRBAG. ANOTHER ISSUE IS WITH THE ABS. WHENEVER I STEP ON THE BREAKS, THE ABS SHAKES AS IF IT'S BOUNCING ON THE BREAKS, AND THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEMS? I THOUGHT MY BREAKS NEEDED CHANGING, AND ALL FOUR BREAK PADS WERE CHANGED, BUT THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS.
NHTSA complaint #11258942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesWest Jordan, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN COLD WEATHER ONLY. WHEN I START THE CAR, I GET A SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN. THE CAR IS PARKED. WHEN I HAVE THE AIR RECIRCULATION BUTTON PRESSED, THE SMELL DOES NOT ENTER THE CABIN.
NHTSA complaint #11171294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesWest Jordan, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN COLD WEATHER ONLY. WHEN I START THE CAR, I GET A SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN. THE CAR IS PARKED. WHEN I HAVE THE AIR RECIRCULATION BUTTON PRESSED, THE SMELL DOES NOT ENTER THE CABIN.
NHTSA complaint #11171294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,250 milesRED Wing, MN
SUSPENSION
THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTROL ARMS WERE SUBJECT TO A RECALL IN 2012 (WHICH WAS PERFORMED BY A SAAB DEALERSHIP AT 99,992 MILES). AFTER THE FAILURE, A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CONTROL ARMS WERE NOT REPLACED, BUT RATHER A CLEAR RUST PROOFING AGENT WAS APPLIED BY A SUBCONTRACTOR.
NHTSA complaint #11152748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE SMELL OF RAW FUEL IN THE CABIN ON COLD WEATHER STARTS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED A FUEL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE INTAKE AND FUEL SPRAYING AND POOLING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. SO MUCH FUEL LEAKING THAT IT RAN DOWN AND MADE A PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11056615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
WHEELS
LAST DECEMBER I TOOK MY CAR TO MIDAS ON 2625 STATE ROAD, CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY FIXED MY CATAYTIC CONVERTER. MY CHECK RIGHT ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. ON 022716 INV 0143048 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I HAD TO DO 292.69 WORTH REPAIRS.03172017 INV 0151700 1329.39 WORTH REPAIRS.41517 INV 0152375 1152.39 WORTH REPAIRS.052217 INV 0148090 1000.00 WORTH REPAIRS.ON 061017 INV 0152375 THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WERE REPLACED FOR FREE. THE PAIRS WERE RECALLED. TOOK THE CAR TO MAZDA OF BEDFORD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON.PHONE NUMBER 440 439 2323. THEY SCANNED THE CAR. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER STILL NOT RIGHT. TOOK THE CAR TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC CLEARS THE CODE. HE TOLD ME IT IS A HISTORY CODE. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON.
NHTSA complaint #11002686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.