2003 Saab 9-5 recalls and problems
The 2003 Saab 9-5 has 4 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Saab 9-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Saab 9-5 recalls
Recall 08V-160: Seats
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.
Fix: 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.
Recall 07V-087: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-410: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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).
Recall 03V-006: Wheels
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2003 Saab 9-5 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 29 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | |
| Tires | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 5
- Suspension › Rear — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Saab 9-5 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Saab 9-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-5: 08V-160 (seats), 07V-087 (fuel system, gasoline), 06V-410 (electrical system), 03V-006 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Saab 9-5?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (29 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,000 miles.
Are Saab recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saab dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.