2005 Saab 9-5 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (2) · Suspension:rear (1) · Suspension:front (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Saab 9-5 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (112)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Unknown Or Other 2025-05-30 · PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about the use of j-35616-64b and mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
Unknown Or Other 2025-05-30 · PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about the use of j-35616-64b and mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
Unknown Or Other 2025-05-30 · PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about the use of j-35616-64b and mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
Unknown Or Other 2024-09-09 · 02-00-89-002X · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a field product report (fpr) (u.s. and canada dealers only).
Unknown Or Other 2024-09-06 · PIT3271P · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. general motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. technician s
Showing the 6 most recent of 112 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2012-12-17 · Air Bags · 101,000 mi · 💥 crash“i was involved with in an accident on friday december 14th, 2012. i was returning to work on my lunch break and a lady ran a red light, pulling out infront of me, and i ended up t-boning her going roughly 45mph. i was extremely disappointed that no air bags were deployed in such a severe head on collision. the car has been seen by the insurance com…”
2012-09-20 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 122,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2005 9-5 saab. the contact stated that while traveling 70 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated repeatedly as the vehicle began to sputter and jerk. the contact then merged to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence and was later taken to a private…”
2012-07-19 · Engine · 77 mi“check engine light was sporadically on for about two weeks. on 7/14 coolant level low indication came on. coolant reservoir was empty. filled, started engine, coolant leaked in a steady stream from the car. towed to dealer. diagnosed ignition cassette as faulty and water valve (part servicing heater core) as faulty and the source of the leak. check…”
2012-05-14 · Exterior Lighting · 154,000 mi“running lights will not turn off, even after the car is stopped and the key is out of the ignition, causing the battery to run down. *js…”
2012-03-23 · Equipment:electrical:radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · 113,951 mi“the ignition cassette needed to be replaced. *tr…”
2011-09-09 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 95,000 mi“the ignition cassette cracks causing ignition problems, stalling, acceleration problems. it makes it unpredictable. this is the same problem as the previous recall pasted below. why does it not cover these other model years? nhtsa campaign number: 06v410000 www.nhtsa.dot.gov manufacturer saab cars usa, inc. recall date: oct 23, 2006 …”
2011-08-15 · Structure · 137,800 mi“because of improper design, rear wire harness for reverse lights are being severed causing the reversing lights not to work. this same design flaw can be attributed to the failure of brake lights and electronic trunk release/lock. *tr…”
2011-05-31 · Air Bags · 46,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl*the contact owns a 2005 9-5 saab. the contact stated that while making a turn she crashed into a parked vehicle. the air bags did deploy after the crash occurred and the driver received injuries to her face and mouth. a police report was filed. she was not transported to the hospital. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised …”
2010-10-19 · Suspension:rear · 45,000 mi“noticed abnormal / early rear tire wear. noticed abnormal (out of manufacturers spec.) rear camber. noticed rear suspension bottom out with moderate loads (approx 1/2 of max load). oem rear tires cupped and required replacement prematurely due to abnormal rear camber. new tires installed. rear aftermarket camber shims installed. *tr…”
2010-07-18 · Suspension:front · 34,104 mi“my 2005 saab 9-5 arc right front coil spring broke while my wife was driving the vehicle causing extensive tire damage. the vehicle is being repaired requiring the replacement of both coil springs along with the cv boot. the total cost for repairs is approximately $1200.00 along with the above repairs the tire was also replaced at a cost of $100…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.