2005 Saab 9-5 recalls and problems

The 2005 Saab 9-5 has 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Saab 9-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 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.

2005 Saab 9-5 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Equipment	2
Suspension	2
Air Bags	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Electrical System	2
Structure	1
Power Train	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Engine	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front — 1
Suspension › Rear — 1
Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 1
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 95,000 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 2005 Saab 9-5 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 101,000 miles · reported Dec 17, 2012

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 company and they decided to total the vehicle. In such a violent accident I would expect the air bags to be deployed, especially when the accident was a front on collision that totaled my saab. I was taken to the er because I hit my head on the a frame…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 122,000 miles · reported Sep 20, 2012

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 mechanic where it was confirmed that the fuel line failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure and current mileages were 122,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine · at 77 miles · reported Jul 19, 2012

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 engine light was due to ignition cassette. Good there is a warning, but it could be more specific, as failure of this part shuts down the engine. Water valve leak could cause overheating. Both parts are critical and failure in a car with so little…

Exterior Lighting · at 154,000 miles · reported May 14, 2012

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.

Exterior Lighting · at 137,800 miles · reported Aug 15, 2011

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.

Other Saab 9-5 years

2011 2009 2008 2007 200620052004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Saab 9-5 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 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 2005 Saab 9-5?

Owners report equipment problems most often (2 reports), followed by suspension (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 95,000 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.