Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2009 Saab 9-7X with NHTSA between 2008 and 2019.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 5 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 — 18
Against the median year of the Saab 9-7X. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
215.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
430.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
430.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.7%
150,000+ miles
17.7%
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.
Oct 2008peak 3Oct 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Saab 9-7X
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.
RQ17002Opened 24 Apr 2017Closed 29 Mar 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by Gene...
Recalls on the 2009 Saab 9-7X
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 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 150,000 milesCharlotte, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY WIFE AND I WERE ON THE DRIVE THRU LINE AT WENDYS, IT WAS RAINING OUT AND I CRACKED THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FOR A LITLE AIR. A MINUTE LATER WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING WE WERENT SURE WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM UNTIL MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW/LOCK/AND HEATED SEAT SWITCH STARTED TO EMIT SMOKE. OF COURSE WE WERE IN A STATE OF PANIC, WE QUICKLY EXITED THE LINE AND PULLED OVER I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO OTHER THAN PULL UP THE SWITCH HOUSING FROM THE DOOR PANEL. AFTER DOING SO THE SMOKE WAS EVIDENT AND THE WIRES AND ACTUAL PLASTIC HOUSING CAUGHT FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. AFTER INSPECTING THE ENTIRE SWITCH HOUSING IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE WIRES OVERHEATED AND SHORT CIRCUITED I WOULD IMAGINE DUE TO THE LITTLE BIT OF RAIN WATER THAT LEAKED INTO IT. THE MANAGER OF THE WENDYS CAME OUT TO CHECK ON US AS HE SAW AND HEARD OUR PANIC. I CALLED GM/SAAB THIS MORNING AND THE REP MADE ME OUT TO BE A LIAR, SHE COULDNT BELIEVE THAT A FIRE ACTUALLY OCCURED. I TOLD HER I HAVE THE SWITCH HOUSING AND IT IS CLEAR AS DAY THAT THE PLASTIC DIDNT MELT AND THE ACUAL METAL TIP OF THE WIRE MELT DUE TO SMOKE OR JUST A HEAT. I SEE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2008 SAAB 97X DRIVER MODULE BUT NOT MY YEAR OR THE PASSENGER SWITCH. THE REP HAD ME SO UPSET I FORGOT TO GET HER NAME AND FILE A COMPLAINT SO WHEN IM DONE ON THIS POST I AM GOING TO CALL BACK AND HAVE THEM LOOK UP MY FILE AND LODGE A COMPLAINT. ALSO THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2008 97X HEADLIGHT MODULE AND OF COURSE MY HEADLIGHTS JUST STOPPED WORKING OUT OF THE BLUE, I REPLACED THE BULBS FROM AUTOZONE TO NO AVAIL THAT IS HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SECOND RECALL. IM UPSET BECAUSE I HAVE 3 KIDS IN COLLEGE AND 1 IN 10 GRADE AND AM NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO REPLACE ANY OF THE DEFECTIVE FACTORY PARTS ESPECIALLY AFTER A FIRE IN MY VEHICLE. NOW I AM FORCED TO NOT HAVE FUNCTIONING PASSENGER WINDOW OR LOCK OR HEATED/MEMORY SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10767380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 100,000 milesIrving, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROLS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL DID NOT WORK, INCLUDING THE DOOR LOCK AND SEAT HEATER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPPALINO BUICK GMC AT 716-650-4471 (LOCATED AT 5411 TRANSIT RD, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11266747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesMadison, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY HEADLAMPS ARE NOT WORKING, MY FOG LIGHTS AND SIDE MARKERS WORK, BUT NOT HE HEADLAMPS.
NHTSA complaint #11080110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE HEADLAMPS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesBuford, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
NHTSA complaint #10876063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BEL AIR, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. WITHOUT WARNING, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS RANDOMLY FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE HIGH BEAMS EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO MENTIONED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULD NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10852506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesCommerce, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. STARTED WORKING AGAIN AFTER SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAM AND THEN BACK TO LOW BEAM
NHTSA complaint #10811065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT ON MY SAAB 9-7X TURNS OFF WHEN DRIVING 30MIN. THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT SOMETIMES I WOULD DRIVE IT FOR 1HR OR LONGER THEN IT TURNS OFF. BUT LATELY HEADLAMPS THAT DO NOT ILLUMINATE AFTER 30 MIN OF DRIVING. I'VE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT AND ISSUE STILL EXIST. I HAVE AN IDENTICAL ISSUE BUT CALLED SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT RECALL 14V755000 IS ONLY FOR 05-08.
NHTSA complaint #10810091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AT FIRST IS SLOW TO GO DOWN AND EVEN MORE SLOWLY TO GO UP. BUT NOW THE DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY OR BECOME INOPERATIVE. CURRENTLY I DON'T EVEN USE THE POWER WINDOW BECAUSE I'M WORRIED THAT IT MAY NOT EVEN CLOSE OR WORK AT ALL. I FOUND A RECALL BUT SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE SAY IT'S ONLY FOR 05-08 SAAB 9-7. I BELIEVE BASE ON THE REPORTS THAT I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS RECALL NUMBER: 14V404000.
NHTSA complaint #10810102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesNorth Port, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
AT FIRST MY HEAD LIGHTS WERE CUTTING OFF AT VARIOUS TIMES FOR VARIOUS AMOUNTS OF TIME, THIS HAPPENED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR AND I WOULD HAVE TO TURN ON MY BRIGHT LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, WAIT FOR THE HEAD LIGHT TO KICK BACK IN AND TURN OFF THE BRIGHT LIGHTS. FOR THE LAST 5 MONTHS I HAVE HAD NO HEAD LIGHTS AT ALL. I HAVE BRIGHT LIGHTS, THE ORANGE RUNNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD LIGHT BULBS AND THEY WORKED FOR 2 MINUTES AND STOPPED WORKING AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10807403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMaynardville, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #10773830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCharlotte, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY WIFE AND I WERE ON THE DRIVE THRU LINE AT WENDYS, IT WAS RAINING OUT AND I CRACKED THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FOR A LITLE AIR. A MINUTE LATER WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING WE WERENT SURE WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM UNTIL MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW/LOCK/AND HEATED SEAT SWITCH STARTED TO EMIT SMOKE. OF COURSE WE WERE IN A STATE OF PANIC, WE QUICKLY EXITED THE LINE AND PULLED OVER I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO OTHER THAN PULL UP THE SWITCH HOUSING FROM THE DOOR PANEL. AFTER DOING SO THE SMOKE WAS EVIDENT AND THE WIRES AND ACTUAL PLASTIC HOUSING CAUGHT FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. AFTER INSPECTING THE ENTIRE SWITCH HOUSING IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE WIRES OVERHEATED AND SHORT CIRCUITED I WOULD IMAGINE DUE TO THE LITTLE BIT OF RAIN WATER THAT LEAKED INTO IT. THE MANAGER OF THE WENDYS CAME OUT TO CHECK ON US AS HE SAW AND HEARD OUR PANIC. I CALLED GM/SAAB THIS MORNING AND THE REP MADE ME OUT TO BE A LIAR, SHE COULDNT BELIEVE THAT A FIRE ACTUALLY OCCURED. I TOLD HER I HAVE THE SWITCH HOUSING AND IT IS CLEAR AS DAY THAT THE PLASTIC DIDNT MELT AND THE ACUAL METAL TIP OF THE WIRE MELT DUE TO SMOKE OR JUST A HEAT. I SEE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2008 SAAB 97X DRIVER MODULE BUT NOT MY YEAR OR THE PASSENGER SWITCH. THE REP HAD ME SO UPSET I FORGOT TO GET HER NAME AND FILE A COMPLAINT SO WHEN IM DONE ON THIS POST I AM GOING TO CALL BACK AND HAVE THEM LOOK UP MY FILE AND LODGE A COMPLAINT. ALSO THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2008 97X HEADLIGHT MODULE AND OF COURSE MY HEADLIGHTS JUST STOPPED WORKING OUT OF THE BLUE, I REPLACED THE BULBS FROM AUTOZONE TO NO AVAIL THAT IS HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SECOND RECALL. IM UPSET BECAUSE I HAVE 3 KIDS IN COLLEGE AND 1 IN 10 GRADE AND AM NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO REPLACE ANY OF THE DEFECTIVE FACTORY PARTS ESPECIALLY AFTER A FIRE IN MY VEHICLE. NOW I AM FORCED TO NOT HAVE FUNCTIONING PASSENGER WINDOW OR LOCK OR HEATED/MEMORY SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10767380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMarengo, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LOW BEAMS WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON AUTO WILL NOT COME BACK ON EVEN WHEN CHANGED TO MANUEL ON THIS HAS HAPPENED IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEATHER, RAINY, DRY, NIGHT, DAY. IT IS A HAZZARD YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IT HAPPENED JUST THIS PAST WEEKEND IN A DOWNPOUR AT AFTERNOON TRAFFIC HOUR. QUITE STRESSFULL ! WE HAVE READ OF THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE. I DID READ AN EARLIER COMPLAINT OF THIS SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10749867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesChicago, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO ILLUMINATE, BOTH IN AUTO AS WELL AS MANUAL MODE. LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE ON START-UP AS WELL AS SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE STATED IN THE RECALL FOR 2006-2008 SAAB 9-7X, BUT INEXPLICABLY THE 2009 MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. THIS VEHICLE MALFUNCTION IS HAZARDOUS AND POSES A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD IS COMPLETELY AND UNEXPECTEDLY IMPAIRED WHEN THE LIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION AS WELL AS LOWERED VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10723440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10721912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,300 milesArbourn Hills, MI
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,300.
NHTSA complaint #10503754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15 milesPowell, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS BRIGHTER THAN THE LEFT ONE, WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WOULD POINT DOWNWARD, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO SEE THE VEHICLE AND FOR THE CONTACT TO SEE ONCOMING VEHICLES. FURTHERMORE, WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ILLUMINATED, THE LIGHT WOULD MOVE TOO FAR UP IN THE AIR MAKING IT HARD FOR THE CONTACT TO SEE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST THE LIGHT AND CHANGE THE LIGHT BULBS BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE DEALER ALSO REFERENCED OTHER MODELS FROM THE SAME YEAR BUT DID NOT FIND SIMILAR FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500. UPDATED 05/19/10 *BF UPDATED 09/30/10
NHTSA complaint #10323383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland, MI
SEATS
DEAR RECEIVER OF THIS, MY NAME IS [XXX] , INDUSTRY VETERAN AND EXPERT IN AUTOMOTIVE HEATED SEAT TECHNOLOGY, FAILURE MODE SAFETY, ANALYSIS AND FAILURE INVESTIGATION. I AM A PASSIONATE PROPONENT FOR CHANGE AND ADVANCEMENT OF IMPROVED HEATED SEAT SAFETY. I HAVE 24 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OF AUTOMOTIVE HEATED SEAT TECHNOLOGY, AUTOMOTIVE CAR AND SEAT MANUFACTURERS IN USA, EUROPE AND ASIA. I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM AVAILABLE AS AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL RESOURCE FOR HEATED SEAT TECHNOLOGY KNOW-HOW, SHOULD YOU SEE THE NEED. PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS. BEST REGARDS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10244244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.