2004 Saab 9-5 recalls and problems

The 2004 Saab 9-5 has 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Saab 9-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Saab 9-5 recalls

Recall 08V-160: Seats

Reported Apr 9, 2008 · 57,389 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

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

Reported Mar 7, 2007 · 94,377 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

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.

2004 Saab 9-5 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	14
Structure	2
Tires	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Engine	2
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Power Train	1
Steering	1
Air Bags	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 2
Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 2
Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/Trunk — 2
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 1
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,821 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 2004 Saab 9-5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported May 10, 2025

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced…

Air Bags · reported Aug 5, 2022

7/26/22 10:23pm on interstate 25 North of Denver mile 249 I was not able to stop and rear ended another vehicle. My air bags did not deploy there were no dash lights indicating any problem with the airbags prior to the accident. My vehicle was not drivable and was towed to H&R Towing in Johnstown, CO. The only inspection so far has been by an Amica Insurance adjuster. My set belt pretensioner held me fast but the crown of my head went forward into the visor area I was dazed. I went by ambulance to MCR hospital in Loveland diagnosed with a concussion. I had other bruises from the seatbelt and…

Electrical System · at 70,000 miles · reported Jul 3, 2014

I have owned a 2004 saab 9-5 sport combi wagon since 2006. Twice, over the last several years (2011, 2014), my husband and I have been on the highway and had an ignition switch incident where he was the driver and I was the passenger. In both incidents, I turned around to talk to my daughter (2011) and then daughters (2014) and inadvertently bumped the key in the ignition with my knee. The ignition switch is located in the center of the car by the console. It only took a slight tap of my knee and my car shut off while going at speeds of 75-80 MPH on the highway. Fortunately, both times my…

Electrical System · at 64,000 miles · reported May 2, 2014

The contact owns a 2004 sabb 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and took it to the dealer for inspection of the failure where the technician replaced the ignition module. The contact was made aware of a manufacturer's recall for the ignition switch but was advised that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. Updated 10/23/2014 the consumer stated the check engine and no automatic warning lights would illuminate on frequently. Updated…

Electrical System · at 51,108 miles · reported Mar 14, 2014

The contact owns a 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the crank shaft position sensor, fuel pump, and the twice unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 51,108.

Other Saab 9-5 years

2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Saab 9-5 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Saab 9-5: 08V-160 (seats), 07V-087 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Saab 9-5?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (14 reports), followed by structure (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,821 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.