1999 Saab 9-5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1999 Saab 9-5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1999 Saab 9-5. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. this does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle occupant may not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. if an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.
Owner complaints
118 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Driver side airbag deployed while driving in a smooth straightaway country road at about 30-35 mph. No other cas were around at the time and nobody got seriously hurt, only a minor bruise on the arm.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while parked, the passenger's side impact air bag erroneously deployed. The vehicle was not involved in a crash or any type of impact. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test however, dealer did not provide an…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while parked, the passenger's side impact air bag erroneously deployed. The vehicle was not involved in a crash or any type of impact. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test however, dealer did not provide an explanation on what caused the air bag to inadvertently deploy. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000.
- Exterior lighting
My vehicle was sold originally in california and has been a california registered vehicle at all times. It has rear fog lights installed with it's own separate switch on cluster dash for them . This vehicle does not comply with the california vehicle code 24602 fog tail lamps or rear fog lights. As…
My vehicle was sold originally in california and has been a california registered vehicle at all times. It has rear fog lights installed with it's own separate switch on cluster dash for them . This vehicle does not comply with the california vehicle code 24602 fog tail lamps or rear fog lights. As the code states: 24602.(b)(3) the edge of the lens of the lamp shall be no closer than four inches from the edge of the lens of any stop lamp or brake. This vehicles rear fog light lenses and brake light lenses are right up against each other with no space given between them. I have asked the manufacturer owner ,which was general motors at the time to remedy issue. They have declined any assistance. I have explained this IS a safety issues which was written into california law for a purpose. The problem IS when using them when warranted atmospheric conditions require and do to their placement it can be construed as if the vehicle IS braking as coming to a stop or stopped. I vehicle behind it could panic brake or hard steer to right or left causing an accident . I have also written to the original sales dealer for assistance. I believe this should have been a recall for this model vehicle . Your assistance and investigation into this appreciated. *tr
- Structure › Body
My vehicle has a crack about 2 inches in length on the right rear side on roof top. I can provide pictures and would like my vehicle investigated into on this issue. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Vacuum brake booster filled with oil leaking from defective vacuum pump resulting in brake failure. Defective ABS module causes brakes to suddenly lock up immobilizing car. this IS a design failure in the electronic ABS braking system in my opinion. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
All of these repairs in about a two year period: ABS module, oil cooler, throttle body, upper radiator hose, and both dic cassettes. This IS completely unacceptable for what was originally a $40K car. I have loved saab's since my childhood, but this one car has completely turned me off of them.…
All of these repairs in about a two year period: ABS module, oil cooler, throttle body, upper radiator hose, and both dic cassettes. This IS completely unacceptable for what was originally a $40K car. I have loved saab's since my childhood, but this one car has completely turned me off of them. first the ABS module went, had it rebuilt ($150) and no improvement. So I bought a new one ($350). Then just after that the throttle body died ($450). Then just a few months later the oil cooler ($1100) went out. It ran smooth for a short time, but then both dic's died at the same time ($850). it IS time for this car to go away, and I will never buy another saab. why IS there a recall on the dic for all subsequent years, but no the 1999's? thank saab!!! *tr
- Electrical system
My 1999 saab's direct ignition cassette has failed -- a very common occurrence in this model, for which a recall was issued. that recall, however, excluded 1999 model years for reasons unknown to anyone I have spoken with. my car IS essentially identical to a 2000 saab 9-5, which IS covered under…
My 1999 saab's direct ignition cassette has failed -- a very common occurrence in this model, for which a recall was issued. that recall, however, excluded 1999 model years for reasons unknown to anyone I have spoken with. my car IS essentially identical to a 2000 saab 9-5, which IS covered under recall. had my part failed while driving, I would have been left with no power brakes, steering, etc... this IS my wife's car, in which we carry our newborn daughter. it's a very low-mileage car (83K miles) that I take meticulous care of. this part should not fail, and should certainly be recalled if a pattern of failures exists (which it does). thank you! *Tr
- Electrical system · Equipment
Ignition cassette failure. *Tr
- Air bags › Side/window
1999 saab 9-5 wagon passenger side (side) airbag deployed while sitting still. Gm IS dragging their heels and not offering a rental car and I was told today that if I need a car to drive, I can pick the car up from dealership but they cannot guarantee that another airbag will not deploy. This IS…
1999 saab 9-5 wagon passenger side (side) airbag deployed while sitting still. Gm IS dragging their heels and not offering a rental car and I was told today that if I need a car to drive, I can pick the car up from dealership but they cannot guarantee that another airbag will not deploy. This IS quite a scary prospect. Gm sent an inspector over a week later and I'm still waiting on a report. Meanwhile we are stuck without a car and no guarantee for payment on a rental so no rental. *Tr
- Electrical system
1999 saab 9-5 engine just shuts down while driving or idling. There was a recall of the ignition control unit on the 2000. Dealer said it's the same problem on the 1999 but wasn't included in the recall. Icm has been replaced twice at the dealer, the last time being 2 years ago and needs to be…
1999 saab 9-5 engine just shuts down while driving or idling. There was a recall of the ignition control unit on the 2000. Dealer said it's the same problem on the 1999 but wasn't included in the recall. Icm has been replaced twice at the dealer, the last time being 2 years ago and needs to be replaced again. Gm says nothing they can do since the 1999 wasn't included in the recall. Someone IS going to get hurt taking an off ramp on the highway and having the car just turn off. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-5. the contact stated that her ignition cassette was failing and needed to be replaced. when she starts her vehicle, it moves sluggishly and makes noise. the check engine indicator remains illuminated and an excessive amount of fumes exit the exhaust. the dealer stated that the ignition cassette needed to be replaced and was harming the engine. the failure mileage was 135,000.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-5. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal and there was excessively low power. the vehicle was operating roughly and was towed to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the failure…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-5. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal and there was excessively low power. the vehicle was operating roughly and was towed to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the failure was related to the ignition cassettes. the vehicle was repaired. on a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an identical failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 109,000.
- Suspension › Rear · Tires
Rear tires have been wearing our prematurely. Inside tire wear. *Tr
- Electrical system
I was driving down a hill (jackman st. At water st., appleton wi) when my '99 saab, went dead. At the bottom of the hill there IS a blind turn to the left, a stop sign, and a railroad crossing just beyond the intersection. This IS a very dangerous spot to have your car fail and have no power to…
I was driving down a hill (jackman st. At water st., appleton wi) when my '99 saab, went dead. At the bottom of the hill there IS a blind turn to the left, a stop sign, and a railroad crossing just beyond the intersection. This IS a very dangerous spot to have your car fail and have no power to the brakes or steering. the reason my car stalled was a failure of the ignition cassette. The first time this part failed, in 2002, the situation was not as dangerous, and then it was covered by warranty. I contacted saab customer service and sent a photo of the hill. They responded by phone that there have been no recalls for this part, nor would there be a recall. They refused to cover the cost of the tow and repair. I think that leaves saab owners vulnerable to accidents. I was lucky to be able to pull off at the bottom of the hill without hitting a train or causing serious injury to anyone. *Tr
- Structure
Defective dashboard sid. *Tr
- Electrical system
Dash board digital display (referred to as sid) inoperative and unable to report vital safety related information. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
As reported by the auto dealers service department, a seam on the top of the non-metallic fuel tank has separated and developed a leak. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine seized due to oil sludging causing the car to stop in traffic on an incline at night on a street with out lighting. It seized without warning and was part of a recall two years ago but I was never notified of it. I found out after the incident from a repair shop. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
Direct ignition cassette failure. It caused the car to stall in an intersection. I was in a traffic lane turning left with oncoming traffic when it failed. I replaced it at the dealer for $400.00. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Shifter stuck in park. Second time in a week. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
I have a saab 9-5 1999 wagon. My direct ignition cassette IS overheating causing the car to miss. I checked online and found a recall on these cassettes. The recall though only covers years 2000-2002. My car IS a few months before the recall and IS having the same problem. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
My son just passed his drivers test and we were going home when the car started making noises and then stalled. smoke was coming out of the car and smelled like burnt rubber. my son luckily was able to get the car to the side (avoided an accident). lifted hood thought car overheated. I tried…
My son just passed his drivers test and we were going home when the car started making noises and then stalled. smoke was coming out of the car and smelled like burnt rubber. my son luckily was able to get the car to the side (avoided an accident). lifted hood thought car overheated. I tried starting the car and it sparked and started smoking again. found out it was the electrical system, ignition discharge module. my car IS a 1999 9-5 saab. I found that the 2000's had a recall due to this overheating and could cause a crash. this could of caused an accident. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
1999 saab 9-5 V6 (127,000 miles). no prior related problem before this incident. upon start up, vehicle ran rough at idle. low power when attempting to accelerate. parked vehicle and raised hood. noticed smoke coming from ignition module on front side of engine, strong smell of burning…
1999 saab 9-5 V6 (127,000 miles). no prior related problem before this incident. upon start up, vehicle ran rough at idle. low power when attempting to accelerate. parked vehicle and raised hood. noticed smoke coming from ignition module on front side of engine, strong smell of burning plastic. also smelled raw gas coming from exhaust. check engine light came on. engine stalled and would not run again. this all took place in less than 5 minutes. Vehicle was towed back home. replacement ignition cassette currently on order.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
I recently purchased a used 1999 saab 9-5 SE sedan with a 2.3 litre ecopower engine with turbo. Barely 5 days after my purchase of this vehicle there was a very sudden onset of a loud knocking coming from the engine. I immediately had the car towed to a dealership the service manager at which…
I recently purchased a used 1999 saab 9-5 SE sedan with a 2.3 litre ecopower engine with turbo. Barely 5 days after my purchase of this vehicle there was a very sudden onset of a loud knocking coming from the engine. I immediately had the car towed to a dealership the service manager at which informed me that there was a damaged balancing shaft and that my engine would need to be replaced. I was told that it was due to the presence of engine sludge. What I was not told, however I did find out was that engine sludge IS a problem known to saab on this car. However in order for saab to cover the cost of repair, I would have the unreasonable task of providing saab with all maintenence records for a car that I've owned for 5 days. After much tracking I was able to find a satisfactory number of receipts, however saab still refused to cover the warranty because of a date discrepancy on one of the receipts that IS completely out of my control. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1999 saab 9-5 4-cylinder sedan threw rod at 53,000 on busy I-85 in atlanta with no previous warning whatsoever (no oil leaks on garage floor, no engine or oil pressure warning lights, strange noises, nothing). Was able to get to shoulder without incident. Car had been maintained regularly.…
1999 saab 9-5 4-cylinder sedan threw rod at 53,000 on busy I-85 in atlanta with no previous warning whatsoever (no oil leaks on garage floor, no engine or oil pressure warning lights, strange noises, nothing). Was able to get to shoulder without incident. Car had been maintained regularly. Contacted saab asking for repair under extended 8-year warranty issued in 2005 due to problems with this engine related to oil sludge. Sent all requested records because local dealership said they didn't have on file. Request was denied. Sent follow-up letter to saab g.m. Requesting repair. Denied with no explanation. Phoned on 3/1/07 requesting a written explanation be emailed. Still have not received although was told it was being sent immediately. Was told by person I spoke with that the car was outside the 8 yr. Extended warranty. Saab will do nothing except offer a customer loyalty discount toward a new vehicle. Mine IS practically new at 53,000 miles. Low mileage due to short trips of 3 miles each way to work. This driving condition was one specifically listed as contributing to sludge. I don't want or expect a new car. I just want mine repaired. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire…
Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine IS running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it IS running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it IS running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with V6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation IS closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10039281Gm: the wipers, turn signals, and power windows are inoperative. 1999-2009 saab 9-5.
- 10030148Saab: steering wheel controls inoperative or incorrect function. Updated 5/23/11.
- 10020715Noise from the timing chain and oil sludge in the engine.
- 10019953Door locks inoperative.
- 10001073A safety defect may exist where changing back and forth between alloy and steel wheels, may cause rust and other contaminants to build up on the mating surface of the wheel hub and cause the wheel bolts to fatigue and possibly break.
- 621490Subject regarding customer complaints of test brake lights message deleted from sid replacement units.
- 619564Addressing complaint of noise caused by leaves entering fan housing.
- 619562To address an external oil or coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket when no engine overheating or other running complaints have occurred.
- 619554Subject regarding new update kit for manual transmissions.
- 617823This bulletin addresses a customer complaint of engine / exhaust noise form a cold engine or when turning a corner.
- 614920Experiencing rattling noise heard from clutch disc hub on vehicles with manual gearboxes as from vin x3000655 - x3086621.
- 614917Recall information on replacing engine control module (ecm).
- 614913Customer satisfaction campaign 838: disturbances due to wiring harness provisions for cd changer . Cars affected are within vin ranges x3020001 - y3046149.
- 614095Customer satisfication campaign 827 on replacing the c-pillar trim on all wagon models within vin ranges x3020150 - x3090057.
- 614094In connection with the introduction in production of a new screw for the trunk (boot) lid hinges, a small opening in one of the fastening holes to the water channel was sealed. This opening was used to drain water from the top of the hinge fastening to the water channel and, consequently, the water IS now drained into the luggage compartment on vehicles within vin ranges x3039285 - x3043680.
- 612513There have been occasional cases where the wiring harness has come too close to the ABS unit on all vehicles within vin x300853 - x3001441.
- 610154Some customers may complain that the seat heater switch or seat fan switch will not illuminate or does not appear to be working.
- 610153Customer satisfaction campaign 484 to replace the anti-theft alarm siren on vehicles within vin serial no. Ranges x3000001 - x3001609.
- 610147Customer satisfaction campaign 473 regarding replacement of shift lock solenoid on vehicles within vin serial no. Ranges x3000001 - x3023950.
- 608079Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1230, p1240, p1251, p1530, p1614 IS found.
- 608077Some vehicles may exhibit a sid that displays transmission overheated message or a problem with winter or sport buttons.
- 607548Information on replacing the anti-theft system siren on vehicles within vin x3000001 - x3001609.
- 604279Incorrect engine bearing cap torque specifications.
- 604272Addressing customer complaint of wind noise from front door windows.
- 604271Addressing complaints of wind noise / whistle at 65 mph where the a-pillar meets the roof and windshield.
- 604270Customer complaint regarding outer door mirror casing coming loose.
- 604048Procedures on preventing juddering of side windows ( unsmooth operation ) for vehicles up to and including vin x3001194 and w3075121.
- 603064Information on electrical fault tracing.
- 603053Addressing questions regarding radio frequencies.
- 602954Replacement of shift lock solenoid.
- 602796Addressing customer complaints with acc panel display.
- 602087Additional information on verifying key operation.
Every Saab 9-5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.