2004 Saab 9-5 problems
The 2004 Saab 9-5 has 30 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (47%) concerns electrical system. After that come engine (10%) and fuel system (7%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 30 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 47% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 47,000 miles 26 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 | 8 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 26 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 46,000 miles. For electrical system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 46,000 miles (13 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 3 complaints mention a fire.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2004 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 7 model years of the Saab 9-5 with enough data (17 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 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.
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.
After significant vibration under front end at highway speeds appearing at less than 10,000 miles, car underwent alignment and 3 high speed balances. According to dealership, "all 4 tires were worn on insides and could only be caused by defect." dealer stated that "road forcing will not allow tires to be within the limit. Tires need to be replaced. Sent tires to manufacturer for warranty." service completed on 10.29.04, with pirellis replaced by same size michelins.
While driving our 2004 saab 9-5 on the highway, at over 60 MPH, the ignition has been accidentally turned off. This causes an immediate loss of power steering and power brakes, making the car very difficult to steer and stop. Luckily I was in the far right lane during both incidents and could pull over and stop without causing an accident. If I had been in another lane, the resultant loss of speed and an attempt to change lanes could have caused an accident.
On numerous occasions, our 2004 saab 95 would not start. Later it would start. Saab refuses to acknowledge there is a problem. Nothing has been done. There have been 5 instances beginning in may of 2004.
Purchased the car used 5/23/08 with 42,700 miles from saab dealership. Within a month the headlights worked randomly, check engine light would come on randomly. Called the dealership and was told that it wouldn't hurt anything and should it become more frequent, bring the car in. 8/18 took the car in to dealership when the light was coming on more frequently. Headlight relay replaced, engine light was due to a direct ignition cassette failure.