2001 Saab 9-5 problems
The 2001 Saab 9-5 has 141 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (51%) concerns electrical system. After that come engine (17%) and fuel system (13%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 141 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 51% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 10
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 58,000 miles 102 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 27 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 23 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 20 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 9 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 10 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 8 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 102 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 58,000 miles. For electrical system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 49,000 miles (62 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 2 complaints mention a crash; 10 complaints mention a fire.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2001 ranks 1st most-complained-about out of 7 model years of the Saab 9-5 with enough data (102 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 4 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Exiting the highway on an overpass bridge the engine stopped without warning and would not restart. A few moments later smoke was visible from under the direct ignition cover and small flame was apparent. The flame went out after a few moments. However, we were left stranded on an unlit bridge overpass that was under construction at dusk (with an infant and toddler).
Dt*: the contact stated while driving there was a noticeable loss of power. The vehicle was taken the service dealer where a 24 point inspection was preformed and the throttle body was cleaned. While traveling at 35 MPH., on the interstate highway, on a clear, dry day, there was loss of all power. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer where the contact was informed the engine suffered a complete engine failure and needed to be rebuilt.
Vehicle's fuel line detached from fuel pump due to broken retaining clip. Fuel spilled on the ground creating a hazardous situation.