VehicleVerdict

2008 Saab 9-7X problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Saab 9-7X sits mid-pack among 9-7X years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 33, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (28% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 9-7X years?

9-7X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted84 complaints2005: 33 complaints2006: 84 complaints2007: 71 complaints2008: 32 complaints2009: 17 complaints
9-7X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9-7X years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Saab 9-7X problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting928%
Electrical System825%
Engine413%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Other26%
Steering26%
Airbags26%
Brakes13%
Body & Structure13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2008 Saab 9-7X have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V519000LightingAugust 14, 2015 · 429,170 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

Consequence

Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-7X. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE LAMP CONTROL RELAY FUSE WAS REPLACED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FUSE BOX AND THE HEAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 9, 2015 · fire

“THIS MODEL HAS FAULTY/SUBSTANDARD DESIGN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE RUSTED OUT TRUNK LATCH TWICE, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FAILS TO CLOSE AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS, WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED 3 TIMES, ( NEVER HAVE I PREVIOUSLY HAD A CRACK IN A WINDSHIELD) , HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO SHORT OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2012

“I GOT A TROUBLE CODE FOR CYLINDER #7 MISFIRE. IT IS THE LIFTERS GOING OUT DUE TO THE AFM OR DOD, WHATEVER GM CALLS IT. THE SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN THE 8 CYLINDER TO 4 CYLINDERS. $3000 JOB FOR SOMETHING THAT I'M SURE GM IS VERY AWARE OF. THESE 5.3S WITH THIS AFM WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT'S JUST A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 14, 2016

“POWER STEERING LINES UNDER THE CLAMP THAT BOLTS TO THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HAVE RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO MOISTURE AND VIBRATION CAUSING A LOSS IN FLUID DAMAGING THE PUMP. AFTER DOING A SEARCH I FOUND NUMEROUS POSTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE ON THE TRAILBLAZER, ENVOY AND SAAB. POOR DESIGN AND LACK OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 1, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE DRIVERS WINDOW WAS OPEN, HE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW BUT IT BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE DOOR SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 3, 2013

2008 Saab 9-7X — common questions

Is the 2008 Saab 9-7X reliable?

It is close to typical for the 9-7X: 32 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2008 9-7X problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (9 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Saab 9-7X have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Saab 9-7X. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Saab 9-7X under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Saab 9-7X years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 9-7X years to avoid are 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among 9-7X years belongs to 2009.

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.