Owners have filed 113 complaints
about the 2001 Saab 9-5 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 95
Against the median year of the Saab 9-5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
30% 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
2541.0%
Ignition
1423.0%
Engine
711.5%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
58.2%
Catalytic Convertor
34.9%
Fuel Pump
34.9%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
23.3%
Gasoline
23.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
910.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2528.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2629.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1011.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1517.0%
150,000+ miles
22.3%
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.
Aug 2001peak 5Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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 2001 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
07V087000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Risk: 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.
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 20070594,033 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. 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. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break.
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 68,000 milesPacific Palisades, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON TWO OCCASIONS OUR 2001SAAB,9.5 6 CYLINDER TRANSMISSION CASSETTE FAILED. LEAVING MY HUSBAND AND MY SELF STRANDED WITH A SMOLDERING CAR. ON OCT 19TH 05 WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HWY IN THE NICK OF TIME, HEAVY SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BUT THE IGNITION CASSETTE,THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, THE WIRE HARNESS, BATTERY AND,SPARK PLUGS WERE DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENCE WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS IN A SEASONAL DRY FOREST AREA. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT A WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN A SAFE SPOT. ON AUG.15TH, 08. THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AGAIN AND AS BEFORE THE SPARK PLUGS, INSTALLED SEVERAL MONTHS PREVIOUSLY HAD TO BE REPLACED THE CONTINUED FAILURE OF THIS PART IN AN INTRINSIC MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS OF THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT SAAB/ G.M NEEDS TO BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE AUTO'S AND REPLACE THE FLAWED IGNITION CASSETTE. NEITHER OF THE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES INSTALLED IN OUR CAR HAVE HAD THE VIN NUMBERS RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10239651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesPacific Palisades, CAFire
EQUIPMENT
ON TWO OCCASIONS OUR 2001SAAB,9.5 6 CYLINDER TRANSMISSION CASSETTE FAILED. LEAVING MY HUSBAND AND MY SELF STRANDED WITH A SMOLDERING CAR. ON OCT 19TH 05 WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HWY IN THE NICK OF TIME, HEAVY SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BUT THE IGNITION CASSETTE,THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, THE WIRE HARNESS, BATTERY AND,SPARK PLUGS WERE DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENCE WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS IN A SEASONAL DRY FOREST AREA. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT A WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN A SAFE SPOT. ON AUG.15TH, 08. THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AGAIN AND AS BEFORE THE SPARK PLUGS, INSTALLED SEVERAL MONTHS PREVIOUSLY HAD TO BE REPLACED THE CONTINUED FAILURE OF THIS PART IN AN INTRINSIC MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS OF THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT SAAB/ G.M NEEDS TO BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE AUTO'S AND REPLACE THE FLAWED IGNITION CASSETTE. NEITHER OF THE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES INSTALLED IN OUR CAR HAVE HAD THE VIN NUMBERS RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10239651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesManchester, NHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
1. DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITH OUT ANY WARNING. 2. CAR COULD BREAK BUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING WAS NON FUNTIONAL, STEERING FUNCTIONED WITH OUT POWER ASSISTANCE, BUT VERY HARD TO SAFELY STEER VEHICLE. 3. WAS ABLE TO MOVE CAR OFF ROAD INTO GRASS DITCH AWAY FROM REAR TRAFFIC. 4. BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM DRIVERS SIDE OF ENGINE WITH SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC AND RUBBER. 5. CERTIFIED SAAB MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CAR AND FOUND THAT THE IGNITION CASSETTE FAILED AND BURNED FROM WITHIN. REPLACED IGNITION CASSETTE AT A COST OF $500. 6. THERE ARE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES IN THE SAAB 95. THE REMAINING UNIT HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. 7. IF THIS FAILURE TOOK PLACE ON A HIGHWAY IN FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, A TRAGIC ACCIDENT COULD RESULT. THERE IS NO WARNING OF THE FAILURE. I HAD THREE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. 8. THERE WAS SOME MINOR SMOKE DAMAGE IN THE VEHICLE COMPARTMENT, THE FIRE WAS INTERNAL TO THE FAILED UNIT AND DID NOT SPREAD. HOWEVER TOXIC LIKE FUMES FROM THE BURNING PLASTIC EXISTED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING PASSENGERS TO COUGH. 9. SAAB USA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THE INCIDENT I REVIEWED MANY SAAB WEBSITES AND FOUND OTHER INCIDENTS OF COMPLETE ENGINE FALURE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM TO FIX. IT ALSO POSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES. 10. SAAB USA SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10121771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesCampbell, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ADD YET ANOTHER DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE TO THIS LIST OF COMPLAINTS!! DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE THE CAR QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. SMOKE AND FIRE ENSUED. WHERE IS THE RECALL??!?!?!?
NHTSA complaint #10120960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesCampbell, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ADD YET ANOTHER DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE TO THIS LIST OF COMPLAINTS!! DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE THE CAR QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. SMOKE AND FIRE ENSUED. WHERE IS THE RECALL??!?!?!?
NHTSA complaint #10120960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesRehoboth, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
EXITING THE HIGHWAY ON AN OVERPASS BRIDGE THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. A FEW MOMENTS LATER SMOKE WAS VISIBLE FROM UNDER THE DIRECT IGNITION COVER AND SMALL FLAME WAS APPARENT. THE FLAME WENT OUT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. HOWEVER, WE WERE LEFT STRANDED ON AN UNLIT BRIDGE OVERPASS THAT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT DUSK (WITH AN INFANT AND TODDLER). SAAB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED (THEY SUGGESTED WE WAIT WITH THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COULD REACH US.) THIS INCIDENT FOLLOWS A STRING OF MINOR ELECTICAL / ELECTRONIC "BUGS" IN WHICH ERRONEOUS SIGNALS ABOUT LIGHT FAILURES WERE DISPLAYED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED (THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC FEATURE ON SAABS).
NHTSA complaint #10075126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mercer Island, WA
TIRES
With only 670 miles on a new set of tires, an inspection for a completely unrelated reason found that there was a bulge in 3 of the 4 NEW tires. Installed in Jun, issue found in Dec; car is driven very little. Tires were purchased from Tire Rack and installed by Discount Tire. Inspection by Discount tire found the 3 defective tires. They report bulges as "impact damage". I have had one other tire ever with impact damage in 180,000 miles on this 20+ year old car. On this set of tires, there were no incidents, such as hitting a curb or pothole. I have to believe that these tires have a manufacturing defect. For all I know, they had a sidewall bulge from day one. I am replacing all four tires. I have contacted Vredestein customer service, at both domestic and international email customer service contacts. They have not answered, even with an acknowledgement of receipt.
NHTSA complaint #11568403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,000 milesNEW Richland, MN
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, SLAMMED TO THE GROUND, AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ROTOR, HUB ASSEMBLY, AND FRONT RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.
NHTSA complaint #10853349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNEW Smyrna Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10776576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,621 milesBristol, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2001 SAAB 9-5 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR AWHILE ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES STALL RANDOMLY AND NOT START UNTIL ENGINE COOLS DOWN. THE CODES FOR CEL LEAD TO DIRECT IGNITION. A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES, ONE MY VEHICLE RECEIVED. I CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID SEEING AS IT WAS ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF ONCE NOTHING CAN BE DONE. I KNOW I WILL TO HAVE TO GET IT FIXED TO PASS EMISSIONS TESTING DUE TO FAULTY DIRECT IGNITION. NOT TO MENTION HOW UNSAFE IT IS IF IT STALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10597832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,550 milesSalem, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I HAD THE ERROR CODES CHECKED. THEY ARE P1312 AND P1334. THESE CODES INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE "DIC" (DIRECT IGNITION CONTROLLER). EARLIER MODELS WERE SUBJECT TO RECALL. THERE IS APPARENTLY STILL A PROBLEM. I KEEP CLEARING THE WARNING SIGNAL, BUT IT KEEPS RECURRING.
NHTSA complaint #10521786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,500 milesReston, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE AND THE FUEL WAS BURNING MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DROP THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 122,500. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ UPDATED 03/05/12
NHTSA complaint #10439001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSherman Oaks, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2001 SAAB 9-5. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DIRECT IGNITION COIL TWICE IN MY CAR. I RECENTLY READ THAT THIS ITEMS HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND I WANT TO SEE IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND FOR THE WORK DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10296363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,074 milesGreensboro, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED A NO START CONDITION. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THE IDM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) IN 2006; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,074.
NHTSA complaint #10272970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,300 milesCenter Ossipee, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE FIRST TIME THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WAS IN MID OCTOBER 2006, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING. THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATION OF A PROBLEM (NOISE, VIBRATION, CHANGE IN HANDLING, ETC). THE OIL HAD RECENTLY BEEN CHANGED, BUT IT WAS RECHECKED AND TOPPED OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ANYWAY. EVERYTHING SEEMED GOOD FOR ABOUT 20 MIN WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME BACK ON DURING A TURN. I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE AIRPORT SO I PARKED THE CAR AND TOOK IT TO A SERVICE SHOP TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I RETURNED. IT WAS GIVEN AN OIL CHANGE AND AN OVERALL CHECK. THE OIL LIGHT DID NOT COME ON DURING THE TEST DRIVE. I DROVE IT HOME WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IN THE FIRST PLACE. IN EARLY 2007, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOO. EVERYTHING WAS CHECKED OVER AND NOTHING FOUND WRONG. EVEN THE SENSORS WERE WORKING FINE. FOR THE NEXT YEAR AND A HALF, THE OIL AND ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD GO ON AND OFF AT ODD INTERVALS ACCOMPANIED BY NO OTHER SIGNS. SOMETIMES THEY WOULD ONLY FLICKER ON AND OFF DURING A SHORT DRIVE AND OTHER TIMES THEY WOULD STAY ON FOR WEEKS AND THEN GOING OFF AGAIN FOR NO REASON. EACH TIME, THE OIL AND ENGINE WOULD BE LOOKED OVER AND NOTHING FOUND TO BE WRONG. THE LAST TIME THERE WAS AN ISSUE WAS ON JUNE 13TH 2008. I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND THE OIL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THIS TIME ACCOMPANIED BY A TICKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AT THE NEXT EXIT AND HAD THE CAR TOWED. AFTER ANOTHER CHECKOVER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE ENGINE IS FAILING DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP AND THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT HAS 98,300 MILES ON IT. ALL REGULAR SERVICES WERE DONE, AND OIL CHANGES WERE DONE AT MORE FREQUENT INTERVALS THAN STATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD COST BETWEEN $5000.00 TO $9000.00 DEPENDING ON WHAT TYPE OF REPLACEMENT MOTOR WAS FOUND (NEW OR USED). THE VEHICLE IS STILL SITTING IN OUR GARAGE AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN. THE SAAB COMPANY REFUSES ANY RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10266149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesWashington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I HAD A "DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE" FAILURE ON MY SAAB 9-5 2001. I FOUND FROM WWW.SAABSERVICES.COM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR MODEL YEARS 2000-2002. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT MY VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH IN THAT CATEGORY, DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A RECALL PART REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, I HAVE COPIED THE NOTICE BELOW AND AM FILING A COMPLAINT AS INDICATED IN THE NOTICE BELOW. TAKEN FROM THE WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.SAABSERVICES.COM/SAAB%20DIRECT%20IGNITION%20CASSETTE%20FAILURES.HTM "SAAB DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURES UPDATE! A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED, FOR MODEL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2002. DI CASSETTES HAVE A SERIAL NUMBER ON THEM. THE COVERED UNITS ARE SERIAL # D000000-D336210 AND B083821-B096117 FOR 4CYL ENGINES, AND C048743-C073404 FOR 6CYL ENGINES. CONTACT YOUR SAAB DEALER FOR MORE INFO! BE AWARE THAT THE PRICE HAS DECLINED SIGNIFICANTLY, BUT WE DO NOT EXPECT THIS TO LAST VERY LONG. WE HAVE REPLACED MANY OF THESE IGNITION CASSETTES, AND FEEL THAT THEY DO HAVE A LIMITED ( LESS THAN REASONABLE) LIFE. IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE, AND YOUR VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL GROUP, YOU MAY WISH TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA."
NHTSA complaint #10263066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,507 milesColorado Springs, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:45 PM I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN VEHICLE ENGINE STOP. THIS OCCURRED ON A RESIDENTIAL 4-LANE STREET WHILE TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS A 2001 SAAB 95 ARC WAGON. . THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO GLIDE THE AUTO TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THERE WAS A CURB. I THUS REMAINED IN A LANE OF TRAFFIC WITH A DISABLED VEHICLE. THE CAUSE WAS A DEFECTIVE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. WHEN THIS BECOMES INOPERATIVE THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS ENGINE MANAGEMENT SHUTS DOWN AND DISABLES THE CAR. THIS REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER REPAIR SHOP. AND IT REQUIRED A NEW CRANK SHAFT SENSOR PART TO BE INSTALLED. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MAIN IRK ABOUT THIS IS THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE REPLACED THIS PART IN 15 MONTHS. THE ORIGINAL SENSOR THAT CAME WIT THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT NEW LASTED 87,199 MILES AND 5.5 YEARS. THE SECOND SENSOR WAS REPLACED ON JULY 16, 2007. THE THIRD SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT 101,507 MILES...A MERE 15 MONTHS AND 13 DAYS WITH A MILEAGE USAGE OF 14,308 MILES. HAD THIS FAILURE IN OCTOBER 2008 OCCURRED JUST 5 MINUTES BEFORE WHEN I WAS TRAVELING ON A SIX-LANE INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH I WOULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM DRIFTING ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC IN ORDER TO PULL OVER FOR SAFETY. I BELIEVE THAT SAAB HAS A SUPPLIER PROVIDING THEM WITH AN INFERIOR PART.
NHTSA complaint #10247843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,030 milesGreensboro, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
RANDOM ENGINE CUTOFF WHEN DRIVING, LOOSING POWER STEERING CAPABILITY AT THE SAME TIME. MOST OFTEN HAPPENED WHEN APPROACHING INTERSECTION AT THE TIME WHEN CAR SPEED WAS LOWERED. HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10246326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,500 milesMagna, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DEVELOPED A SECURING BRACKET TO SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REPAIRS, THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, WHICH CAUSED HER TO BECOME LIGHT HEADED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WOULD BE PERFORMED IN ORDER TO FIND OUT IF THE VEHICLE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,500.
NHTSA complaint #10244985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesChelmsford, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
BOSCH ABS MODULE ON 2001 SAAB 9-5 SE V6 WITH 88,000 MILES FAILED WITH ABS, TCS, BRAKE, AND /!\ FAILURE LIGHTS DISPLAYED ON DASH. ABS NO LONGER OPERABLE. TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM NO LONGER OPERABLE. ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NO LONGER OPERABLE. SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER OPERABLE. FROM READING MANY (OVER EIGHT!) MESSAGE BOARDS, THIS AN ENDEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE BOSCH ABS SYSTEMS IN MANY BMW, SAAB, CADILLAC CATERA, VW CARS. WHY CAN'T THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE? ABS IS BRAKES AND BRAKES ARE A SAFETY SYSTEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. CONTACT BBA-REMAN IN TAUNTON, MA, THEY HANDLE FIXING THESE SYSTEMS AND THEIR LOAD IS VERY HEAVY.
NHTSA complaint #10241404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesPacific Palisades, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON TWO OCCASIONS OUR 2001SAAB,9.5 6 CYLINDER TRANSMISSION CASSETTE FAILED. LEAVING MY HUSBAND AND MY SELF STRANDED WITH A SMOLDERING CAR. ON OCT 19TH 05 WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HWY IN THE NICK OF TIME, HEAVY SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BUT THE IGNITION CASSETTE,THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, THE WIRE HARNESS, BATTERY AND,SPARK PLUGS WERE DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENCE WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS IN A SEASONAL DRY FOREST AREA. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT A WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN A SAFE SPOT. ON AUG.15TH, 08. THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AGAIN AND AS BEFORE THE SPARK PLUGS, INSTALLED SEVERAL MONTHS PREVIOUSLY HAD TO BE REPLACED THE CONTINUED FAILURE OF THIS PART IN AN INTRINSIC MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS OF THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT SAAB/ G.M NEEDS TO BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE AUTO'S AND REPLACE THE FLAWED IGNITION CASSETTE. NEITHER OF THE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES INSTALLED IN OUR CAR HAVE HAD THE VIN NUMBERS RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10239651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesPacific Palisades, CAFire
EQUIPMENT
ON TWO OCCASIONS OUR 2001SAAB,9.5 6 CYLINDER TRANSMISSION CASSETTE FAILED. LEAVING MY HUSBAND AND MY SELF STRANDED WITH A SMOLDERING CAR. ON OCT 19TH 05 WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HWY IN THE NICK OF TIME, HEAVY SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BUT THE IGNITION CASSETTE,THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, THE WIRE HARNESS, BATTERY AND,SPARK PLUGS WERE DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENCE WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS IN A SEASONAL DRY FOREST AREA. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT A WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN A SAFE SPOT. ON AUG.15TH, 08. THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AGAIN AND AS BEFORE THE SPARK PLUGS, INSTALLED SEVERAL MONTHS PREVIOUSLY HAD TO BE REPLACED THE CONTINUED FAILURE OF THIS PART IN AN INTRINSIC MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS OF THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT SAAB/ G.M NEEDS TO BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE AUTO'S AND REPLACE THE FLAWED IGNITION CASSETTE. NEITHER OF THE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES INSTALLED IN OUR CAR HAVE HAD THE VIN NUMBERS RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10239651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMiddletown, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2001 SAAB 9-5 V6. DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. RECALL WAS ISSUED, (RECALL 05V399000: IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE OVERHEATING) FOR THIS CAR YEAR AND TYPE. MINE FAILED AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PART # MATCHES THE RECALLED PART #. ALL I WANTED WAS THE PART REPLACED. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10233818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNaples, FL
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT NOTICE, AND HORN STOPS WORKING, TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING AND THIS IS A TYPICAL PROBLEM. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE AIRBAG IS NEEDED TO PREVENT INJURIES. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER PEOPLE BEING INJURED BY THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10230554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesNaples, FL
WHEELS
AFTER BRINGING MY CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE I FOUND THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT PERFORMED SOME OF THE WORK. THE DEALER DID NOT ADDRESS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V006000, WHICH IS ABOUT THE WHEEL BOLTS. THE DEALER SAID THAT SINCE I HAD MOVED TO FLORIDA THE RECALL WAS NOT VALID EVEN THOUGH IT IS NATIONWIDE. THE VEHICLE CAME FROM OHIO AND HAD STEEL WHEELS IN OHIO DURING THE WINTER. THE DEALER SHOULD REPLACE THE BOLTS BUT HAVE PUT ME IN DANGER INSTEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10230536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesNaples, FL
WHEELS:HUB
AFTER BRINGING MY CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE I FOUND THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT PERFORMED SOME OF THE WORK. THE DEALER DID NOT ADDRESS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V006000, WHICH IS ABOUT THE WHEEL BOLTS. THE DEALER SAID THAT SINCE I HAD MOVED TO FLORIDA THE RECALL WAS NOT VALID EVEN THOUGH IT IS NATIONWIDE. THE VEHICLE CAME FROM OHIO AND HAD STEEL WHEELS IN OHIO DURING THE WINTER. THE DEALER SHOULD REPLACE THE BOLTS BUT HAVE PUT ME IN DANGER INSTEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10230536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesOlympia, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
COMPLAINT IS THAT SAAB USA HAS DECLINED TO REPLACE/REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE IDM/DIC WHICH FAILED ON OUR 2001 SAAB 9-5 V-6 VIN # . THIS WAS A RECALL BY NHTSA IN 2006. (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # IS 05V399000) SAAB USA DENIED THIS REPAIR AS THEIR DATA BASE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS VIN #. (THIS SERVICE REQUEST # TO SAAB USA IS 17613448567) THE FINAL DECISION ON THIS FROM SAAB USA CAME FROM AN UN-NAMED SUPERVISOR AT 1-866-790-5600 EXT # 31078. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR WAS $677.50, INCLUDING $70.00 FOR TOWING TO A NEARBY FOREIGN AUTO REPAIR FACILITY. FROM EXHAUSTIVELY SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND ALSO PROVIDED TO ME BY THE REPAIR FACILITY, THE SERIAL NUMBERS OF THE DEFECTIVE IDM/DIC WERE FOUND. THE FAULTY UNITS FOR A V-6 ENGINE ARE C048743 THROUGH C073404. THE SERIAL # FROM THIS VEHICLE THAT FAILED IS C061858. THIS INFORMATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO THE SUPERVISOR AT SAAB USA (MESSAGE-RECORDING), BUT HAS NEVER RESPONDED TO THIS ADDITIONAL FINDING AND CONTINUED CLAIM FOR COST REIMBURSEMENT. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED ON THIS MATTER. FROM INTERNET INFO, OTHERS HAVE BEEN SIMILARLY "STONEWALLED" BY SAAB USA COMPLIANCE TO YOUR ORDER.
NHTSA complaint #10222159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,032 milesWarner Robins, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE STALLING AND UPON RECOMMENDATION OF OUR MECHANIC WE LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR ANY INFORMATION OUT THERE FOR THIS VEHICLE. I CONTACTED SAAB USA AND THERE WAS A VALID OPEN RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS VEHICLE. WE ARRAIGNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HERITAGE SAAB IN MORROW, GA AND ACCORDING TO THEIR TECH'S THEY COMPLETED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IDM IN ACCORDANCE TO THE RECALL NOTICE, BUT IN A MATTER OF A COUPLE OF WEEKS THE PROBLEM RETURNED. NOW WE CAN'T EVEN CRANK THE VEHICLE DUE TO IT CUTTING OFF AS SOON AS YOU CRANK IT. IT WILL APPEAR TO BE RUNNING, BUT THE ENGINE HAS STALLED AND IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT RECRANK UNTIL AFTER A FEW MINUTES HAS GONE BY.
NHTSA complaint #10220523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesPotomac, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE'S FUEL LINE DETACHED FROM FUEL PUMP DUE TO BROKEN RETAINING CLIP. FUEL SPILLED ON THE GROUND CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10218154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
THE CAR STALLED AND CAME TO A STOP WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, THOUGHT IT WAS BATTERY. GOT RIDE TO PARTS STORE REPLACED THE BATTERY SINCE IT WAS COLD WEATHER AND DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE VEHICLE ON SIDE OF ROAD. HOWEVER, THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. CAR TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP AT A COST OF $100. THEY HOOKED IT UP AND SAID THAT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND NEEDED REPLACED COSTING $414.54. JUST RECEIVED A LETTER COUPLE WEEKS PRIOR ON RECALL OF FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS THAT HOLD FUEL LINES TO FUEL PUMP. LOOKED UP OTHER COMPLAINTS AND FIND THAT STALLING SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL, COULD IT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL PUMP?
NHTSA complaint #10217016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Washington, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2001 SAAB 9-5 WITH ENGINE STALLING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS HAD THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED TWICE. SHE FEELS THAT HER VEHICLE IS A LEMON. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC STATED THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS FAULTY WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THERE WAS A LOUD ROARING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE UPON BRAKING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10213895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.