VehicleVerdict

2005 Saab 9-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2005 Saab 9-5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other 9-5 years?

9-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Saab 9-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System320%
Engine213%
Airbags213%
Lighting213%
Suspension213%
Other17%
Body & Structure17%
Fuel System17%
Transmission17%

Does the 2005 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.

“RUNNING LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF, EVEN AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 14, 2012

“THE IGNITION CASSETTE CRACKS CAUSING IGNITION PROBLEMS, STALLING, ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. IT MAKES IT UNPREDICTABLE. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE PREVIOUS RECALL PASTED BELOW. WHY DOES IT NOT COVER THESE OTHER MODEL YEARS? NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V410000 WWW.NHTSA.DOT.GOV MANUFACTURER SAAB CARS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 4, 2011

“BECAUSE OF IMPROPER DESIGN, REAR WIRE HARNESS FOR REVERSE LIGHTS ARE BEING SEVERED CAUSING THE REVERSING LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. THIS SAME DESIGN FLAW CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND ELECTRONIC TRUNK RELEASE/LOCK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 1, 2011

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 9-5 SAAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN SHE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED AND THE DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER FACE AND MOUTH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE WAS NOT TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 30, 2010 · crash

“MY 2005 SAAB 9-5 ARC RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE TIRE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH COIL SPRINGS ALONG WITH THE CV BOOT. THE TOTAL COST FOR REPAIRS IS APPROXIMATELY $1200.00 ALONG WITH THE ABOVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 16, 2010

2005 Saab 9-5 — common questions

Is the 2005 Saab 9-5 reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 9-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Saab 9-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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.