VehicleVerdict

2002 Saab 9-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 89 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.1 times the median 9-5 year — the 2002 model ranks #4 of 21 9-5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 52% of all reports (46 of 89), far ahead of engine at 13.

89

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 9-5 years?

9-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted157 complaints1965: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 157 complaints2000: 140 complaints2001: 141 complaints2002: 89 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 30 complaints2005: 15 complaints2006: 29 complaints2007: 17 complaints2008: 21 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 11 complaints
9-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Saab 9-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4652%
Engine1315%
Fuel System910%
Transmission33%
Other33%
Seat Belts33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Airbags22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Lighting11%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2002 Saab 9-5 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V160000SeatsApril 9, 2008 · 57,389 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

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.

07V087000Fuel SystemMarch 7, 2007 · 94,377 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

06V410000Electrical SystemOctober 26, 2006 · 5,078 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.

Consequence

OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2003. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007. NOTE: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 05V399).

05V399000Electrical SystemSeptember 14, 2005 · 103,202 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.

Consequence

OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

03V006000Tires & WheelsJanuary 13, 2003 · 70,726 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF AN OWNER CHANGES THEIR WHEELS/TIRES BETWEEN SUMMER AND WINTER USING A STEEL WHEEL IN THE WINTER AND AN ALLOY WHEEL IN THE SUMMER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR RUST AND CONTAMINATION TO BUILD UP ON THE WHEEL HUB DURING THE STEEL WHEEL USAGE. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE CONTAMINATION IS NOT REMOVED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AFTER THE TIRE CHANGE SERVICE, SOME OF THIS CONTAMINATION COULD FLAKE OR GRIND AWAY RESULTING IN REDUCED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE WHEEL TO THE HUB. OVER SEVERAL SEASONS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS REDUCED FORCE COULD RESULT IN FRACTURES DEVELOPING IN THE WHEEL BOLTS DUE TO WHEEL TO HUB MOVEMENT.

Consequence

THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY MAIL AND ASKED WHETHER THEY CHANGE BETWEEN STEEL AND ALLOY WHEELS. IF THEY DO ENGAGE IN THIS PRACTICE, THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE WHEELS, CLEAN ANY CONTAMINATION FROM THE WHEEL AND WHEEL HUB, AND REPLACE THE WHEELS USING NEW IMPROVED BOLTS WITH ATTACHED WASHERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

02V006000SteeringJanuary 4, 2002 · 2,601 units

Defect

THE STEERING KNUCKLE CASTINGS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED DURING THE CASTING PROCESS.

Consequence

THESE KNUCKLES CAN BREAK, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE FOR THE CASTING NUMBER. IF THE KNUCKLE WAS IN THE DEFECTIVE BATCH, THE STEERING KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WOULD LIKE TO CITE NHTSA CAMPAIGN #05V399000. WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 SAAB 9-5 6 CYLINDER ON 4/20/2006 I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ROUGH OPERATION AND REDUCED POWER OF THE ENGINE. I WAS A SHORT DISTANCE FROM MY DESTINATION WHERE I PARKED THINKING I WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 20, 2006 · fire

“LETTER FROM INSURANCE COMPANY REGARDING LOSS OF SAAB DUE TO FIRE WITH REQUEST FOR PAYMENT[REDACTED]CC THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAD ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACT STRANGELY. THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND THEN SUDDENLY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2006 · fire

“DT: CONSUMER STATES ON OCTOBER 6, 2005 WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FUEL LINE WAS RIPPED, AND ONE SMELLED GASOLINE ALL OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATED WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 6, 2005 · fire

“HAD A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT, TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, CAR PULLED OUT GOING ACROSS INTERSECTION, HIT HEAD-ON. SLAMMED ON BRAKES NOTICING SHE WAS GOING, AND SLAMMED INTO HER CAR, HER CAR TURNED AROUND 180 DEGS. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP, WHICH ALLOWED ME TO GO FORWARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 27, 2010 · crash

“TRANSMISSION "CLUNK" OCCURRED WITH SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. DEALER DIAGNOSED VALVE BODY AND RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION REBUILD. AAMCO DIAGNOSED SAME ISSUE RESULTING FROM METAL SHAVINGS BEING RELEASED FROM TORQUE CONVERTER INTO TRANSMISSION. ENTIRE TRANSMISSION INCLUDING TORQUE COVERTER NEEDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 14, 2007

2002 Saab 9-5 — common questions

Is the 2002 Saab 9-5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 89 complaints put the 2002 model at #4 of 21 9-5 years. It is one of the 9-5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 9-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (46 complaints), engine (13 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints).

Does the 2002 Saab 9-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Saab 9-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Saab 9-5 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saab 9-5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 9-5 years to avoid are 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2007, 2009. The cleanest record among 9-5 years belongs to 1972.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.