2008 Saab 9-5 recalls and problems

The 2008 Saab 9-5 has 2 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Saab 9-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Saab 9-5 recalls

Recall 16V-063: Air Bags

Reported Feb 3, 2016 · 113,716 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.

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.

2008 Saab 9-5 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	19
Electrical System	2

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 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 2008 Saab 9-5 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 83,000 miles · reported Jan 28, 2020

I had my airbag replaced on recall several years ago. I now have an error alert on my dash indicating an air bag problem. My service technician tells me there are no parts available. What alternatives are available for me, besides drive an unsafe car or junk it (Probably illegal to sell )

Air Bags · reported Mar 22, 2017

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v063000 (Air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags · reported Jan 3, 2017

The contact owns a 2008 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v063000 (Air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags · reported Dec 19, 2016

Recall initiated in feb 2016, notification received from GM in may of 2016, repair is still not available after 10 months from date of recall.

Air Bags · reported Dec 12, 2016

Takata recall - although the recall began february 3, 2016, it has still not been completed. Given the danger of being hit with shrapnel, the situation should be remedied immediately!

Other Saab 9-5 years

2011 200920082007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Saab 9-5 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Saab 9-5: 16V-063 (air bags), 08V-160 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Saab 9-5?

Owners report air bags problems most often (19 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 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.