← New search

2003 Saab 9-5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all 9-5 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

31 reports with mileage · 16 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

25 reports
Clear category filter
41,000 miles · May 12, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL DOOR LOCKS WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN ACTIVATED BY THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

NHTSA ODI #10864571

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10611334

50,030 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR WHEN DEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT.I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND THERE WAS A GAS STATION RIGHT NEAR BY. IT DID NOT START UP NORMALLY AND WAS VERY SLUGGISH. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT FORTUNATELY NOT HEAVY TRAFFIC AND IN THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS VE…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR WHEN DEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT.I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND THERE WAS A GAS STATION RIGHT NEAR BY. IT DID NOT START UP NORMALLY AND WAS VERY SLUGGISH. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT FORTUNATELY NOT HEAVY TRAFFIC AND IN THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS VERY SCARY. THEY TOWED MY SAAB TO A SAAB DEALER FOR ME WHO HAD TO INSTALL A NEW IGNITION. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 4-5 YEARS AGO ON MY SAAB 2003 9-5 STATION WAGON WHICH WAS BUILT BY GM. I BELIEVE IT WAS BUILT ON THE SAME PLATFORM OF ONE OF THE CADILLACS THAT IS UNDER RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10573322

100,000 miles · Jan 30, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES SEIZED AS THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES SEIZED AS THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 06V410000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10562209

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2013
Electrical System

THE HORN OFTEN FAILS TO WORK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED AIRBAG COVER IS PRESSED. THIS IS AN ONGOING, UNRESOLVED PROBLEM. A DEALER REPLACED A PART UNDER WARRANTY BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER 2002+ 9-5S WITH THE SAME HORN FAILURE ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558046

112,000 miles · Feb 9, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STALLED LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER AT THE ACCELERATOR. IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD TO DEPRESS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP BLOCKING THE ENTRANCE/EXIT OF A …

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STALLED LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER AT THE ACCELERATOR. IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD TO DEPRESS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP BLOCKING THE ENTRANCE/EXIT OF A GAS STATION. I WAS LESS THEN 200 FEET FROM WHERE I WAS TURNING ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP OF A HIGHWAY. THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT WAS VERY UPSET TELLING ME I CAN NOT LEAVE MY CAR THERE. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE SERVICE STATION FOR OVER 2 WEEKS NOW. THE TECHNICIAN IS UNABLE TO FIND THE REASON THE CAR STALLED. HOWEVER HE EXPLAINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL PUMP RELAY ARE OPERATIONAL. HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY GETTING TO THE FUEL PUMP. HE HAS ALREADY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF CHECKING ALL SENSORS AND RELAYS. DURING MY OWN RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT THESE CARS HAVE FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WITH MANY RECALLS ON THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC). AT THIS POINT, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH 2 YOUNG CHILDREN AND RELY ON THIS AUTOMOBILE ON A DAILY BASIS. IN FACT, I HAD JUST DROPPED MY DAUGHTER (9 YEARS OLD) OFF AT DANCING SCHOOL. I WAS JUST ON THE HIGHWAY 20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DROPPING MY DAUGHTER OFF AT DANCING SCHOOL. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN WITHOUT CAUSE AND WARNING. WOULD YOU PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY INFORMATION VIA E-MAIL OR REGULAR MAIL THAT WOULD HELP ASSURE ME THIS PROBLEM WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. IF YOU KNOW THIS CAR IS PROBLEMATIC THEN PLEASE INFORM ME TO SELL THE CAR SO I CAN GET A MORE RELIABLE CAR THAT WILL PREVENT THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10496946

84,000 miles · Oct 26, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

MY CAR WAS BUILT IN 2002 AS WELL AS OTHERS REPORTED, I PURCHASED IT USED 3 YEARS AGO WITH 64K MILES. MY DIRECT IGNITION CONTROL IN 2003 9-5 LINEAR SEDAN 2.3T CEASED. UPON RESEARCH, MY DIC IS THE ORIGINAL PART 9197559 TK3.6 2000-2002 ARE RECALLED AND 'SOME' 2003 VIN'S. WITH THE OVER ABUNDANCE OF DIC FAILURES WITH THE EXACT SAM…

Read full complaint

MY CAR WAS BUILT IN 2002 AS WELL AS OTHERS REPORTED, I PURCHASED IT USED 3 YEARS AGO WITH 64K MILES. MY DIRECT IGNITION CONTROL IN 2003 9-5 LINEAR SEDAN 2.3T CEASED. UPON RESEARCH, MY DIC IS THE ORIGINAL PART 9197559 TK3.6 2000-2002 ARE RECALLED AND 'SOME' 2003 VIN'S. WITH THE OVER ABUNDANCE OF DIC FAILURES WITH THE EXACT SAME PART NUMBER, THESE NEED TO BE RECALLED AS A WHOLE. UPON REMOVAL OF THE DIC, THE ENGINE IS LEAKING AT THE SEAMS OF THE HEAD FROM WHERE THE BOLTS ARE LOCATED, INSIDE THE DIC AND ENGINE SECTION IS PERFECTLY CLEAN. BOLTS IN THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE LOOSE, 1 WAS LIFTED OUT ENOUGH TO JUST REMOVE STRAIGHT OUT. CAR BLOWS BLUEISH SMOKE WHEN IT WAS STARTING, SWITCHES ARE DEFECTIVE (GM KNOWN ISSUE), OIL / ENGINE / HEAD KNOWN ISSUES, SUSPENSION KNOWN ISSUES (AMONG OTHER SERIOUS SAAB FAILURES). I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. THE KNOWN RECALLS MUST BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PARTS, NOT JUST 'YEAR' OR 'SPECIFIC VIN'. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFE, RELIABLE CAR BUT INSTEAD IS CAUSING SERIOUS FINANCIAL ISSUES. PLEASE HELP THE OWNERS ALL OVER THE WORLD, WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS.. WE ALREADY PAID FOR THEIR 'BAILOUT'! SINCERELY~ CAN NOT TAKE ANY MORE REPAIRS!!! *TT

NHTSA ODI #10432964

130,000 miles · Oct 8, 2011
Electrical System

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT GOING ON AND OFF AND CAR HAD MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHEN TRYING TO START ONE DAY. I CHECKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS, WHICH STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ELECTRICAL, IGNITION ISSUES. I TOOK MY CAR INTO A REPAIR SHOP TO CHECK ON CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THERE IS A RECALL 06V410000, OCT …

Read full complaint

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT GOING ON AND OFF AND CAR HAD MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHEN TRYING TO START ONE DAY. I CHECKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS, WHICH STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ELECTRICAL, IGNITION ISSUES. I TOOK MY CAR INTO A REPAIR SHOP TO CHECK ON CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THERE IS A RECALL 06V410000, OCT 26 2006 FOR THIS VERY ISSUE BUT FOR 6 CYLINDER, AND MINE IS A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE IGN CASSETTE. THIS WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR, $582.45 AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY SAAB. MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429158

80,956 miles · Mar 15, 2011
Electrical System

2003 SAAB / 9-5 -- 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINE -- MILEAGE: 80,956 -- MANUFACTURER: SAAB CARS USA, INC. --MY SAAB SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING HAD A LOSS OF POWER, ROUGH OPERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SMOKE. THE SUDDEN STOP ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I FOUND OUT THIS IS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION MODU…

Read full complaint

2003 SAAB / 9-5 -- 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINE -- MILEAGE: 80,956 -- MANUFACTURER: SAAB CARS USA, INC. --MY SAAB SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING HAD A LOSS OF POWER, ROUGH OPERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SMOKE. THE SUDDEN STOP ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I FOUND OUT THIS IS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION MODULE. I HAVE REPLACED THE PART AND WITH LABOR THE COST WAS $441. MY RESEARCH HAS UNCOVERED A RECALL IN VIN NUMBERS UP TO 7727. MY VIN NUMBER ENDS LESS THAN 1000 LATER. THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY AS IDENTIFIED IN THE RECALL. (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05017) I HAVE RETAINED THE PART AND THE SHOP VERIFIED THAT IT IS THE ORIGINAL PART. I BELIEVE THAT THIS AND THE OTHER OF THE TWO PARTS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. SAAB HAS DECLINED AND SUGGESTED MY ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO CONTACT HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390254

98,723 miles · Aug 21, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

WITHOUT WARNING, ON TWO OCCASIONS, MY WIFE'S 2003 SAAB 9-5 AERO WAGON HAS STOPPING RUNNING WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR HAS BEEN FACTORY MAINTAINED AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE STOP RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CAR HAD A…

Read full complaint

WITHOUT WARNING, ON TWO OCCASIONS, MY WIFE'S 2003 SAAB 9-5 AERO WAGON HAS STOPPING RUNNING WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR HAS BEEN FACTORY MAINTAINED AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE STOP RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CAR HAD A NEW FUEL PUMP AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR INSTALLED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED ABOUT 6 WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

NHTSA ODI #10351082

Official recalls

4

08V160000 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

Apr 9, 2008

SAAB IS RECALLING 57,389 MY 2002-2008 9-5 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING COMPLIANCE TESTING, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENTS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A-PILLAR TRIM WITH IMPROVED ENERGY-ABSORBING CAPABILITY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

07V087000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 7, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

06V410000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

Oct 26, 2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2003. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007. NOTE: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 05V399).

03V006000 · Wheels:hub

Jan 13, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY MAIL AND ASKED WHETHER THEY CHANGE BETWEEN STEEL AND ALLOY WHEELS. IF THEY DO ENGAGE IN THIS PRACTICE, THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE WHEELS, CLEAN ANY CONTAMINATION FROM THE WHEEL AND WHEEL HUB, AND REPLACE THE WHEELS USING NEW IMPROVED BOLTS WITH ATTACHED WASHERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.