2005 Saab 9-5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 17, 2012 · 11 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 9-5 years
Fewer complaints than other years 10th of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Saab 9-5. That ranks 10th out of 14 9-5 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (2 complaints, 18%), typically at around 73,500 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Saab 9-5
Saab 9-5 sedan photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2005 Saab 9-5 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags2 · ~73,500 mi
Electrical System2 · ~124,500 mi
Equipment2 · ~82,976 mi
Exterior Lighting2 · ~145,900 mi
Suspension2 · ~39,552 mi
Engine1 · ~77 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~95,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~122,000 mi
Power Train1 · ~137,800 mi
Structure1 · ~137,800 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags218%73,500——
Electrical System218%124,500——
Equipment218%82,976——
Exterior Lighting218%145,900——
Suspension218%39,552——
Engine19%77——
Engine and Engine Cooling19%95,000——
Fuel/propulsion System19%122,000——
Power Train19%137,800——
Structure19%137,800——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 5 complaints
2009: 1200912010: 2201022011: 3201132012: 520125

n = 11 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 Saab 9-5 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seats:front assembly:head restraintApr 9, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V160000 · 57,389 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 7, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V087000 · 94,377 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I was involved with in an accident on friday december 14th, 2012. I was returning to work on my lunch break and a lady ran a red light, pulling out infront of me, and i ended up t-boning her going roughly 45mph. I was extremely disappointed that no air bags were deployed in such a severe head on…

Air Bags · received Dec 17, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10489047

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 9-5 saab. The contact stated that while traveling 70 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated repeatedly as the vehicle began to sputter and jerk. The contact then merged to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be driven to the…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 20, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10476532

Check engine light was sporadically on for about two weeks. On 7/14 coolant level low indication came on. Coolant reservoir was empty. Filled, started engine, coolant leaked in a steady stream from the car. Towed to dealer. Diagnosed ignition cassette as faulty and water valve (part servicing…

Engine · received Jul 19, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10466591

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

Exterior Lighting · received May 14, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10458300

The ignition cassette needed to be replaced. *tr

Equipment · received Mar 23, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10452822

Other Saab 9-5 years

← 2004 9-5 · 2006 9-5 →

See all Saab 9-5 problems by year, every Saab model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report air bags, electrical system, equipment problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Saab 9-5?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 Saab 9-5 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 9-5 model years, the 2005 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.