Owners have filed 121 complaints
about the 2000 Saab 9-5 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2016.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Saab 9-5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Module
4153.9%
Ignition
1013.2%
Control Unit/Module
79.2%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
45.3%
Catalytic Convertor
45.3%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
45.3%
Vacuum
33.9%
Engine
33.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1615.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3130.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3231.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1817.8%
150,000+ miles
22.0%
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.
Dec 2000peak 7Dec 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Saab 9-5
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.
ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM CASSETTE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART.IN 3 INCIDENTS, THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED SMOKE AND/OR FIRE RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE.DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.THE COMPLAINT DATA REPRESENTS INCIDENTS WHERE THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED A STALL OR FIRE.ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A...
Recalls on the 2000 Saab 9-5
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.
United States — NHTSA
05V399000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
03V006000
WHEELS:HUB
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.
Risk: THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01V168000
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.
Risk: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20052715,133 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 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. Overheating of the IGBT occurs most often at engine start-up but may also occur while the engine is running. When the IDM fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted. When the IDM fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders. The check engine light will flash. If the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter. The engine may stall and not restart. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the IDM.
Recall 2005179762 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210. The required markings for the child tether anchorage hooks are missing in the luggage compartment area. Correction: Dealers will install the required adhesive label to the luggage compartment loading floor in the near vicinity of the three anchorage hooks.
Recall 20022472,868 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, when changing back and forth between alloy and steel wheels (as for winter tires), rust and other contaminates may build up on the mating surface of the wheel hubs. If this surface is not cleaned between wheel changes, uneven torque forces may cause wheel bolts to fracture. Although this is most likely to happen during wheel change service, it is possible that the bolts may break later while the vehicle is being driven. Correction: Dealer will clean the hub and reinstall the wheel with improved bolts and attached washers that will eliminate the clamping force reduction.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 59,000 milesEast Long Meadow, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING EXCESSIVELY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. MINUTES LATER, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DIMMED, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY DECELERATED, AND A BURNING SMELL WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, BUT WAS RESTARTED 15 MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. HE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #10215989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesNorth Bennington, VTFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE WAS THE CAUSE OF HER VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE THE FIRE OCCURRED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AS IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10198841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesBrookline, MAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILLED OUT A REPORT. A POLICE REPORT WAS ALSO FILED ON THE SCENE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10163058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesSilver Spring, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN MARCH 2006 MY 2000 SAAB 9-5 WAGON BURST INTO FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR BURNED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10155448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesGreen Wood Village, COCrash
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
DT: THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS IN SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT AND THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON HIT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, AND WAS HIT SO HARD THAT THE BACK PASSENGER'S DOOR WAS STUCK TO THE VEHICLE THAT HIT IT. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE ADMITTED HE HAD BEEN GOING AT 30 MPH WHEN THE SIDE IMPACT OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 17, 2005. HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, BUT WILL BE CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10136623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TXFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. (THE HOOD BURNED) *SC ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE FIRE WAS A RESULT IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWED FLUID TO LEAK ON THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10109061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 123,000 milesDenver, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COMPLAINT ABOUT AUTOMOBILE PAINT.I PURCHASED CAR RECENTLY AND THE HOOD AND TOP ON CAR IS FLAKY AND FADED.THE COLOR DESCRIPTION IS GRAY.I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH CARS THAT WERE MADE IN THE YEAR 2000.THE HOOD AND TOP WOULD HAVE TO BE PAINTED.IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE TREE SAP OR ANY FOREIGN SUBSTANCE AFFECTED THE PAINT.IT LOOKS LIKE THE PAINT JUST BROKE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10935339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesSanta Monica, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DRIVING SLOWLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, I NOTICED A LOSS OF POWER WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE GAS GAUGE NEEDLE WAS DROPPING QUICKER THAN NORMAL, AND THE GASOLINE FUMES BECAME APPARENT AFTER CRACKING A WINDOW. THE ENGINE STALLED FOR THE THIRD AND LAST TIME AS I EXITED THE FREEWAY. UPON INSPECTION, I COULD SEE THAT THE FUEL 'LINE OUT' FROM THE PUMP UNDER THE BACK SEAT HAD COME OUT, FORCING FUEL OUT ONTO THE ROAD, JUST IN FRONT OF MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT BACK IN AS THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT BROKEN. WITH AIR IN THE LINE, IT TOOK A WHILE TO START UP AND GET TO A NEARBY GAS STATION. DOUBLE ZIP-TIES WHEN I GOT HOME. CALLED MY SAAB GUY WHO SAID THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL, AND I NEED TO GET THEIR LATE FIX BRACKET. IT WILL NEVER COME OUT AGAIN OF ITS OWN ACCORD, AND I'M THANKFUL THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO GET IT TOWED - THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10414473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesSanta Monica, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AFTER LEAVING WORK, I NOTICED NO LOSS OF POWER UNTIL I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC. SOON ENOUGH, THOUGH I DID NOTICE THAT THE GAS GAUGE NEEDLE WAS DROPPING QUICKER THAN NORMAL, AND THE GASOLINE FUMES BECAME APPARENT AFTER CRACKING THE WINDOWS. THE ENGINE STALLED FOR THE THIRD AND LAST TIME JUST AS I ESCAPED OFF THE FREEWAY. UPON INSPECTION, I COULD SEE THAT THE FUEL LINE OUT FROM THE PUMP UNDER THE BACK SEAT HAD COME OUT, FORCING ALL (OF THAT OH-SO-PRECIOUS) FUEL OUT ONTO THE ROAD, JUST IN FRONT OF MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL. I PUSHED IT BACK IN (FUEL TANK 'ROADS?), AS THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT BROKEN. NOW WITH SOME AIR IN THE LINE, IT TOOK A WHILE TO SUCK ENOUGH FUMES TO START UP AND GET TO A NEARBY GAS STATION. SMOOTH AS SILK AFTER A DOSE OF FUEL. DOUBLE ZIP-TIES WHEN I GOT HOME. CALLED MY SAAB GUY WHO SAID THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL, AND I NEED TO GET THEIR 'AFTER FIX' BRACKET. IT WILL NEVER COME OUT AGAIN, AND I'M GRATEFUL I DIDN'T HAVE TO GET TOWED THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10414272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLivermore, CA
EQUIPMENT
DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE...THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO SPUTTER LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO DIE AND BURNS THE ELECTRICAL INSIDE OF THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. WE HAD THE CAR HOOKED UP TO THE MACHINE AND TESTED AND GOT A MISFIRE CODE (P0325) AND ONCE THE CHECK ENGINE WAS CLEARED IT WORKED AGAIN FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE CAR WILL THEN STOP OPERATING, THE ENGINE STAYS RUNNING BUT WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE, GOES INTO LIMP MODE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE FREEWAY THIS MORNING AND THANKFULLY I COULD COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SAABSERVICES.COM SHOWS THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL BUT THE SERIAL NUMBERS ON MINE FALL OUT OF THE RANGE OF THE SERIAL NUMBERS THE RECALL COVERS.
NHTSA complaint #10398271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesDistrict Heights, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. AFTER WAITING FOR THE ENGINE TO COOL, THE CONTACT DISPENSED OIL INTO THE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE RESUMED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED RAPIDLY TO THE HOT LEVEL READING. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: MODULE) HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #10357910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: MODULE) HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE YEAR THE ENGINE WAS MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10335354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 95. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MINUTES WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE VEHICLE OPERATED PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10325172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monona, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2000 SAAB 9-5 FAILED IGNITION CASSETTE. SAAB SAID THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAD BEEN RECALLED. RECALL # 05V399000. *DT ALSO THE FUEL PUMP FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10313165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monona, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
2000 SAAB 9-5 FAILED IGNITION CASSETTE. SAAB SAID THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAD BEEN RECALLED. RECALL # 05V399000. *DT ALSO THE FUEL PUMP FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10313165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,708 milesPilot Mountain, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE GAS TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY THE FOLLOWING DAY SINCE ALL OF THE FUEL LEAKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT RECALL 07V087000, FUEL WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 191,535 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,708. UPDATED 12/30/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/30/09
NHTSA complaint #10294498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesFlorence, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLS. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ENGINE WAS STARTED OR EVEN BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SHOP AND THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED ONCE AGAIN. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10276968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesNevada City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. ON NOV 18, 2008, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY HEAD GASKET, WHICH WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION CASSETTE WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL TO THOSE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 05/13/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND THEN STALL. UPDATED 05/13/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesNevada City, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. ON NOV 18, 2008, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY HEAD GASKET, WHICH WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION CASSETTE WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL TO THOSE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 05/13/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND THEN STALL. UPDATED 05/13/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesGlastonbury, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
DURING DRIVING, I EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF THE ABS SYSTEM. OVER TIME IT BECAME CONSTANT. APPARENTLY, THE ABS CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED, AS SEEMS TO BE COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM CAUSES THE SPEEDOMETER TO SHUT OFF, THE ODOMETER TO STOP CLOCKING MILES, THE ABS SYSTEM TO SHUTDOWN AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO SHUT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10260805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,658 milesDanville, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE QUIT ON HIGHWAY WOULD NOT RESTART MECHANIC INFORMED ME IGNITION COIL N/G AND THERE WAS A RECALL FROM SAAB BUT THE SERIAL #ON MINE IS NOT ENTITLED.
NHTSA complaint #10253886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsfield, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BLINKING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE HARD. THE FAILURE WAS IN THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. CAUSING MISFIRE AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE CAT. DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10240737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesKingsland, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-5 (GARY FISHER EDITION). THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE INCREASED THE RISK OF A CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY. IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HE HAD TO UNPLUG THE FUSE TO THE ECM, RE-INSERT IT, THEN THE VEHICLE RESUMES NORMAL FUNCTION. HE HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE TECHNICIANS CANNOT PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,233.
NHTSA complaint #10236290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,690 milesHunt Valley, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE LOOSENED FROM THE PUMP AND CAUSED FUEL LEAKAGE. THE DEALER ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINE. THE FUEL PUMP LINE WAS COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED. THE ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A PUDDLE AND FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,690. UPDATED 04/23/08. *LJ UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10220041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRichmond, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2000 SAAB 9-5 SE (V-6) (LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AGO) AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TRIED TO PULL HER OVER AND PUT SOME DRY GAS IN HER HOPING THAT WOULD FIX IT BUT IT DID NOT. I NURSED HER INTO A GARAGE (NOT A SAAB GARAGE) AND THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT WITH A IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. I CHECKED ON YOUR WEB-SITE AND CALLED THE SAAB NUMBER AND THE GUY SAID THAT THE RECALL WAS OUTSIDE OF THE NORMAL RECALL. I FOUND THIS VERY ODD BECAUSE IT WAS THE SAME PART JUST ON A DIFFERENT VIN. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THESE PARTS GOING BEFORE AND IT SEEMS ODD THAT IT WOULD GO ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10219737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesEast Long Meadow, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING EXCESSIVELY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. MINUTES LATER, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DIMMED, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY DECELERATED, AND A BURNING SMELL WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, BUT WAS RESTARTED 15 MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. HE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #10215989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,813 milesBoston, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE MISFIRING WOULD HESITATE AND STOP OTHER TIMES DRIVABLE BUT NOT WITHOUT CONCERN FOR SAFETY. DETERMINED TO BE ID MODULE WHICH WAS REPLACED. SAAB REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL STATING VIN NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #10209220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesSeattle, WA
WHEELS:HUB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5 AERO. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE LUG NUTS ON ALL THE WHEELS. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE RUST ON THE LUG NUTS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AS OF OCTOBER 24, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V006000 (WHEELS: CAP/COVER/HUB). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #10206787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,015 milesTrumbull, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THROUGH EZ PASS TOLL LANE, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,015. UPDATED 11/02/07.
NHTSA complaint #10206286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesWoburn, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB ARROW 9-5. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLS. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ON MARCH 15, 2007, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V39000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: MODULE) DID NOT APPLY TO THE VIN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
NHTSA complaint #10205319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesEarlton, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
I OWN A 2000 SAAB 9-5 V6. JUST RECENTLY, ABOUT A MONTH AGO, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE CAR BEGAN TO HESITATE AND "BUCK". I HAD A CAR COMPUTER HOOKED UP TO MY CAR TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE CODE CAME BACK AS A CYLINDER MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #2. I ASKED THE AUTO TECHNICIAN WHAT COULD CAUSE THAT TO HAPPEN. HE TOLD ME TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS AND IN THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE COIL PACK. SO I REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I WENT ONLINE TO RESEARCH PRICES OF COIL PACKS OR IGNITION CASSETTES FOR MY CAR. WHILE DOING SO I CAME ACROSS THE FACT THAT THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MANY SAABS. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE WAS IN FACT ONE OF THE VEHICLES WITH A RECALLED PART. HE THEN LOOKED UP MY VIN NUMBER AND TOLD ME THAT MY CAR DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. I DO NOT KNOW HOW ELSE TO INVESTIGATE IF THIS IS IN FACT TRUE. IF I AM NOT UNDER THE RECALL, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT MAKES MY FAILING CAR PART DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER PARTS THAT WERE RECALLED FOR MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10204779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.