VehicleVerdict

2004 Saab 9-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median 9-5 year — the 2004 model ranks #6 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 47% of all reports (14 of 30), far ahead of engine at 4.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 9-5 years?

9-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Saab 9-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1447%
Engine413%
Fuel System27%
Body & Structure27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Airbags13%
Transmission13%
Brakes13%
Lighting13%
Speed Control13%
Steering13%

Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 7, 2024 · fire

“I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2024 · fire

“I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 7, 2024 · fire

“KUMHO ECSTA LX PLATINUM 225/45ZR17 TIRE ON LEFT FRONT OF SAAB 9-5 WITH APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES USE BLEW OUT SUDDENLY (RAPID LOSS OF AIR) AND WITHOUT WARNING AT 35 MPH. APPEARS TO HAVE SEVERAL CRACKS IN SIDEWALL NEAR TREAD. PRIOR TO BLOWOUT, SLIGHT LEFT PULL IN CAR STEERING WAS NOTED DURING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 27, 2013

“2004 SAAB 95 LINEAR WAGON LIFTGATE HINGE FAILURE HINGE MAY OR MAY NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE AT THE OPEN POSITION. IF ONE IS REACHING DEEP INTO THE TRUNK, LIFTGATE CAN CLOSE BY ITSELF, AND HIT ON THE BACK WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 20, 2009

2004 Saab 9-5 — common questions

Is the 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 2004 model at #6 of 21 9-5 years. It is one of the 9-5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 9-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), engine (4 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).

Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Saab 9-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.