Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2000 Saab 95 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2010.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 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 — 46
Against the median year of the Saab 95. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2000 Saab 95
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
421.1%
Median failure at 73,836 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
315.8%
Airbags
315.8%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 67,500 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
210.5%
Median failure at 78,129 miles
Lights
210.5%
Engine & Cooling
210.5%
Seats
15.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.3%
Brakes
15.3%
Median failure at 118,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
444.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
333.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
222.2%
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.
Jan 2000peak 3Jul 2010
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesNewtown, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO AWAIT REPAIR OF THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10173380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesCape Elizabeth, ME1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE ON 4-18-05 WAS DRIVING 2000 SAAB. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN SHE MOVED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO UPPER LEFT ARM AND THE BACK OF HEAD. SHE DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR SEE A DOCTOR. SHE OCCASIONALLY HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH LEFT ARM AND THE BACK OF HEAD. THEY TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE A CLUSTER OF WIRES UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. WHEN THE SEAT WAS MOVED BACK A WIRE WAS CHAFED AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM , RESULTING IN AIR BAG TO DEPLOYMENT. THE SERVICE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ON OR 4-25-05. THE CONTACT CALLED SAAB IN ATLANTA, GAEORGIA, AND SAAB PAID FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10132823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE IMPACT WAS FRONT END - I HIT A STEEL AND CEMENT POLE AT 25 MPH AND THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY HEAD CRASHED THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUSTAINED A SEVERE HEAD INJURY WITH AMNESIA, LOSS OF CONCIOUSNESS, APHASIA, LEFT SIDED WEAKNESS, FRACTURED RIBS, AND SEVERE POST CONCUSSIVE SYNDROME. MY SEATBELTS CAUSED 4 BROKEN RIBS ON THE RIGHT. IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED ACCORDING TO MY DOCTOR I WOULD HAVE NOT SUFFERRED THESE INJURIES. I CONTACTED SAAB CORPORATE OFFICE AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #757636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesOxford, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 SAAB 95 AUTOMOBILE HAS POOR PERFORMANCE AND LOSS OF POWER. SAAB DEALER REPLACED DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC) IN 2006 UNDER RECALL AND THE PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED AGAIN. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE A SECOND DIC. THIS IS BOTH EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS FOR HIGHWAY OPERATION. THE PART HAS PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10341441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,215 milesScranton, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 95. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. AN HOUR LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION: MODULE FAILED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V39900 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,215.
NHTSA complaint #10208447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,458 milesWesthampton, MA
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. ON APRIL 20,2006, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED DUE TO NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). ON JULY 10, 2007, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND DISPLAYED A READING OF P1312. SAAB STATED THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER ANY WARRANTY ON THE IDM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,458 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. THE DEALER STATED BROKEN WINDOW. UPDATED 09/19/07
NHTSA complaint #10201274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,458 milesWesthampton, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. ON APRIL 20,2006, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED DUE TO NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). ON JULY 10, 2007, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND DISPLAYED A READING OF P1312. SAAB STATED THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER ANY WARRANTY ON THE IDM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,458 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. THE DEALER STATED BROKEN WINDOW. UPDATED 09/19/07
NHTSA complaint #10201274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,800 milesWinter Harbor, ME
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 95SE WAGON. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS NOT OPERATING NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE PASSENGE'S SIDE DEFROSTER WAS WORKING. THE WINDSHIELD WILL NOT DEFROST DURING COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER STATED REPLACING THE BOX INSIDE THE DASHBOARD WOULD CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 93800.
NHTSA complaint #10185067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLoveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 2000 9 5 SAAB. THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND LOST POWER AS SHE WAS TURNING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE BARELY HAD ANY POWER. THE VEHICLE DID NOT LOSE POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. THE CONTACT STATED IT TOOK THE MECHANIC THREE ATTEMPTS BEFORE THEY COULD DUPLICATE WHAT HAD HAPPENED . THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE OVERHEATING. THEREWAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE SAME YEAR/MAKE AND MODEL. VE HOWEVER, WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED SAAB SHE WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *AK UPDATED 04/12/07.
NHTSA complaint #10181200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesNewtown, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO AWAIT REPAIR OF THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10173380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
W. Redding, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ANOTHER VOICE: COMMON SUDDEN FAILURE OF SAAB ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY CAUSING IMMEDIATE STALL AT SPEED, IN TRAFFIC. NO CRASH. UNDRIVEABLE "LIMP HOME" MODE. NECESSITATED LONG TOW AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS ITEM CITED FREQUENTLY ON SAAB-RELATED WEBSITES, BUT GOT ME TODAY! NOTE THAT CURRENT RECALL IS FOR A DIFFERENT PART, EQUALLY SAFETY-RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #10141656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesCape Elizabeth, ME1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE ON 4-18-05 WAS DRIVING 2000 SAAB. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN SHE MOVED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO UPPER LEFT ARM AND THE BACK OF HEAD. SHE DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR SEE A DOCTOR. SHE OCCASIONALLY HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH LEFT ARM AND THE BACK OF HEAD. THEY TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE A CLUSTER OF WIRES UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. WHEN THE SEAT WAS MOVED BACK A WIRE WAS CHAFED AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM , RESULTING IN AIR BAG TO DEPLOYMENT. THE SERVICE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ON OR 4-25-05. THE CONTACT CALLED SAAB IN ATLANTA, GAEORGIA, AND SAAB PAID FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10132823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesNEW Paltz, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
THE ABS MODULE ON 2000 SAAB 9-5 EXPEIENCES INTERMITTENT FAILURES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THER IS NO ABS, TRACTION CONTROL OR SPEEDOMETER. THIS PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT MECHANICS ARE RECOMMENDING AGAINST USED PARTS. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT SEEM TO BE MILEAGE RELATED, BUT AGE RELATED. SAAB HAS ISSUED GOODWILL CREDIT TO LOW MILEAGE VEHICLES BUT DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HIGHER MILEAGE CARS. A NEW REPLACEMENT PART IS $2800.00.
NHTSA complaint #10122440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE IMPACT WAS FRONT END - I HIT A STEEL AND CEMENT POLE AT 25 MPH AND THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY HEAD CRASHED THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUSTAINED A SEVERE HEAD INJURY WITH AMNESIA, LOSS OF CONCIOUSNESS, APHASIA, LEFT SIDED WEAKNESS, FRACTURED RIBS, AND SEVERE POST CONCUSSIVE SYNDROME. MY SEATBELTS CAUSED 4 BROKEN RIBS ON THE RIGHT. IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED ACCORDING TO MY DOCTOR I WOULD HAVE NOT SUFFERRED THESE INJURIES. I CONTACTED SAAB CORPORATE OFFICE AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #757636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockledge, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
THE RETENTION CLIPS FOR THE RIGHT SIGNAL/PARKING LIGHT ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 55MPH. THE ASSEMBLY FELL OUT OF THE SOCKET AND WAS RETAINED BY WIRING HARNESS. UPON NEXT VISIT TO DEALER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY PLASTIC FAILURE WHICH EXISTS IN SAAB 9-3 MODELS. FIRST TIME THEY HAVE SEEN ON 9-5 MODEL. SAAB WILL NOT REPLACE ASSEMBLIES. DEALER SUGGESTED CHECKING OTHER ASSEMBLY WHICH I DID AND FOUND PLASTIC BROKEN ON THIS ASSEMBLY AS WELL. IN ADDITION, THE BRACKET WHICH HOLDS THE SCREW TO RETAIN THE LAMP HAS BROKEN AS WELL. THIS IS A PREMATURE FAILURE OF REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
NHTSA complaint #752697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plover, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE TWICE FAILED TO BRAKE WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE SECOND TIME I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AND COULD NOT STOP AT THE END OF THE RAMP. I TRIED TO DOWN SHIFT AND TURN RIGHT ON THE INERSECTING HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR SPUNOUT DOING A 450 DEGREE SPIN IN FRONT OF A SEMI IN THE OTHER LANE WHICH NARROWLY MISSED ME AND THEN I SLID DOWN THE EMBANKMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OVERPASS AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE DEALER RETURNED OUR CAR SAYING THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AFTER ONLY DRIVING 50 MILES, MOST OF THOSE AROUND TOWN WITHOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ON.
NHTSA complaint #749776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flemington, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS KEEPS BLOWING OUT, AND DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE. DEALER REPLACED HEADLIGHT ASSEBLY, BUT DEFECT KEEPS OCCURRING.
NHTSA complaint #875194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
OPTIONAL WAGON SLIDING LOAD FLOOR SAAB P/N 02-69-645 COVERS REAR TETHER ANCHOR POINTS BEHIND SEAT, RENDERING THEM UNUSABLE. ORIGINAL WAGON FLOOR HAD CUTOUTS FOR TETHER ANCHORAGE CLEARANCE.
NHTSA complaint #735786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
I HEAR FUEL SLOSHING/THUNKING SOUND WHEN THE TANK IS 1/2-3/4 FULL. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT IT CONCERNS ME. THE MFG. HAS TOLD ME IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #722998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE--FUEL RUSHES TO FRONT OF TANK UPON BRAKING AND THUNKS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THIS STRESS ON THE FUEL TANK COULD POSE A THREAT, SUCH AS A FUEL EXPLOSION, IN A CRASH. PROBLEM EXISTS WHEN TANK IS 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL. SAAB IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND STATES THAT IT IS CAUSED BY COMPLIANCE WITH CA EMISSIONS STANDARDS. NO OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE HAD SUCH PROBLEMS IN COMPLYING WITH CA EMISSIONS. I HAVE SPOKEN BY THE INTERNET WITH OVER 10 OTHER SAAB 9-5 OWNERS WHO ALL REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT, NOT AN INDIVIDUAL COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #722584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE--FUEL RUSHES TO FRONT OF TANK UPON BRAKING AND THUNKS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THIS STRESS ON THE FUEL TANK COULD POSE A THREAT, SUCH AS A FUEL EXPLOSION, IN A CRASH. PROBLEM EXISTS WHEN TANK IS 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL. SAAB IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND STATES THAT IT IS CAUSED BY COMPLIANCE WITH CA EMISSIONS STANDARDS. NO OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE HAD SUCH PROBLEMS IN COMPLYING WITH CA EMISSIONS. I HAVE SPOKEN BY THE INTERNET WITH OVER 10 OTHER SAAB 9-5 OWNERS WHO ALL REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT, NOT AN INDIVIDUAL COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #722584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mililani, HI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE FUEL TANK MAKES A UNBEARABLE LOUD NOISE. THE FUEL IS BANGING AGAINST THE WALLS OF THE TANK WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY RUPTURE THE TANK OR LOOSEN THE CONNECTING COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #716927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.