2003 Saab 9-5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Saab 9-5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 Saab 9-5. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with B308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine IS running. Engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect to see what version idm IS in the vehicle and replace the idm if it IS a version built prior to january 2003. the recall IS expected to begin during december 2005. owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007. note: this recall IS an expansion of a previous campaign (please see 05v399).
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.
Owner complaints
47 complaints1 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
I had to replace fuel pump 3 times in 4 years. it smelled like fuel in my car.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1993 buick regal. The contact stated that all door locks would become stuck when activated by the electronic door lock system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
- Engine · Power train
After driving my car to my destination, I put the car in park but the car won't stay in park. the car pops out of park into reverse, then it won't start when I get back into my car. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contacts owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the direct ignition cassette needed to be replaced.…
TL* the contacts owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the direct ignition cassette needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 125,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving the car when suddenly the car when dead while I was driving it.i was lucky that I was able to restart it and there was a gas station right near by. It did not start up normally and was very sluggish. I was in the middle of traffic when this happened but fortunately not heavy traffic…
I was driving the car when suddenly the car when dead while I was driving it.i was lucky that I was able to restart it and there was a gas station right near by. It did not start up normally and was very sluggish. I was in the middle of traffic when this happened but fortunately not heavy traffic and in the right lane. It was very scary. They towed my saab to a saab dealer for me who had to install a new ignition. This happened about 4-5 years ago on my saab 2003 9-5 station wagon which was built by gm. I believe it was built on the same platform of one of the cadillacs that IS under recall. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the brakes seized as the engine stalled. The contact was able to stop the vehicle with the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to a local…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the brakes seized as the engine stalled. The contact was able to stop the vehicle with the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the ignition discharge module was defective. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign I.D. Number: 06v410000 (electrical system) and called the manufacturer, who advised that the vin was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Seat belts · Seats
The front seatbelts fray near where the buckle secures the belt when in use. The seatbelt was replaced with oem parts for this reason. The new belt has frayed again over a short period of time. Others report similar problems, perhaps due to something rough abrading the belt somewhere along the belt path. *tr
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Horn
The horn often fails to work when the steering wheel mounted airbag cover IS pressed. This IS an ongoing, unresolved problem. A dealer replaced a part under warranty but that did not fix the problem. I have seen several other 2002+ 9-5S with the same horn failure issue. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
I was driving approximately 30-35 mph down a four lane road when the car stalled leaving me with no power at the accelerator. it became very difficult to steer the car and the brake pedal became very hard to depress. luckily I was able to coast off the road where the car came to a complete stop…
I was driving approximately 30-35 mph down a four lane road when the car stalled leaving me with no power at the accelerator. it became very difficult to steer the car and the brake pedal became very hard to depress. luckily I was able to coast off the road where the car came to a complete stop blocking the entrance/exit of a gas station. I was less then 200 feet from where I was turning onto the entrance ramp of a highway. the gas station attendant was very upset telling me I can not leave my car there. the car would not start after several attempts. the car was towed to the mechanic. the car has been at the service station for over 2 weeks now. the technician IS unable to find the reason the car stalled. however he explained that the fuel pump and the fuel pump relay are operational. he also explained that there IS no electricity getting to the fuel pump. he has already replaced the crankshaft position sensor and IS in the process of checking all sensors and relays. during my own research, I have found that these cars have faulty electrical systems with many recalls on the direct ignition cassette (dic). at this point, we do not know what caused the problem. I am a single mother with 2 young children and rely on this automobile on a daily basis. in fact, I had just dropped my daughter (9 years old) off at dancing school. I was just on the highway 20 minutes prior to dropping my daughter off at dancing school. I am extremely concerned that this will happen again. I can not afford to have this problem happen without cause and warning. Would you please forward me any information via e-mail or regular mail that would help assure me this problem will never happen again. if you know this car IS problematic then please inform me to sell the car so I can get a more reliable car that will prevent the risk of injury or death to me and my family. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5 equipped with hankook tires hkh405, size 225-45-17. The dot and serial numbers were not available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the front tires tread was worn prematurely. The tires were replaced. The failure mileage was 12,000 updated 08-24-12 *bf
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Power train
My car was built in 2002 as well as others reported, I purchased it used 3 years ago with 64K miles. My direct ignition control in 2003 9-5 linear sedan 2.3T ceased. upon research, my dic IS the original part 9197559 TK3.6 2000-2002 are recalled and 'some' 2003 vin's. with the over abundance of…
My car was built in 2002 as well as others reported, I purchased it used 3 years ago with 64K miles. My direct ignition control in 2003 9-5 linear sedan 2.3T ceased. upon research, my dic IS the original part 9197559 TK3.6 2000-2002 are recalled and 'some' 2003 vin's. with the over abundance of dic failures with the exact same part number, these need to be recalled as a whole. upon removal of the dic, the engine IS leaking at the seams of the head from where the bolts are located, inside the dic and engine section IS perfectly clean. bolts in the head of the engine loose, 1 was lifted out enough to just remove straight out. car blows blueish smoke when it was starting, switches are defective (gm known issue), oil / engine / head known issues, suspension known issues (among other serious saab failures). I have spent thousands of dollars on this vehicle since purchase. the known recalls must be expanded to include the parts, not just 'year' or 'specific vin'. this was supposed to be a safe, reliable car but instead IS causing serious financial issues. please help the owners all over the world, we should not have to pay for all of this.. We already paid for their 'bailout'! sincerely~ can not take any more repairs!!! *tt
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Check engine light kept going on and off and car had made a loud popping noise from the electrical system, when trying to start one day. I checked online for recalls, which stated there was a recall for electrical, ignition issues. I took my car into a repair shop to check on check engine light.…
Check engine light kept going on and off and car had made a loud popping noise from the electrical system, when trying to start one day. I checked online for recalls, which stated there was a recall for electrical, ignition issues. I took my car into a repair shop to check on check engine light. There IS a recall 06v410000, oct 26 2006 for this very issue but for 6 cylinder, and mine IS a 4 cylinder engine. The repair shop replaced the ign cassette. This was a very expensive repair, $582.45 and should be covered by saab. My car could have caught on fire. What do you have to say about that! *tr
- Electrical system
2003 saab / 9-5 -- 6-cylinder gasoline engine -- mileage: 80,956 -- manufacturer: saab cars USA, inc. --My saab suddenly and without warning had a loss of power, rough operation, check engine light and smoke. The sudden stop almost caused an accident. I found out this IS due to an electrical…
2003 saab / 9-5 -- 6-cylinder gasoline engine -- mileage: 80,956 -- manufacturer: saab cars USA, inc. --My saab suddenly and without warning had a loss of power, rough operation, check engine light and smoke. The sudden stop almost caused an accident. I found out this IS due to an electrical system issue with the ignition module. I have replaced the part and with labor the cost was $441. My research has uncovered a recall in vin numbers up to 7727. My vin number ends less than 1000 later. The issue IS exactly as identified in the recall. (Nhtsa action number: pe05017) I have retained the part and the shop verified that it IS the original part. I believe that this and the other of the two parts should be covered under the recall. Saab has declined and suggested my only recourse was to contact http://www.safercar.gov.. *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5 equipped with nexen n5000 tires (n/a). While having the vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer for routine maintenance, he was informed the rear driver side and front passenger side tire both had very large cracks along the sidewall. The tires had not been repaired or replaced. The failure and current mileages were approximately 96,900.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Without warning, on two occasions, my wife's 2003 saab 9-5 aero wagon has stopping running while she was driving in traffic at approximately 45 miles per hour. The car has been factory maintained and IS in excellent condition. Obviously, it IS very dangerous to have the vehicle stop running without…
Without warning, on two occasions, my wife's 2003 saab 9-5 aero wagon has stopping running while she was driving in traffic at approximately 45 miles per hour. The car has been factory maintained and IS in excellent condition. Obviously, it IS very dangerous to have the vehicle stop running without any warning. the car had a new fuel pump and crankshaft sensor installed but the problem recurred about 6 weeks after the repair. thank you for your time and consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).*tr
- Electrical system
Check engine light on constantly. fault code determined direct ignition cassette could fail any time. replaced ignition cassette and spark plugs.*cw
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Ign cassettes failed (car wouldn't start, towed, very expensive to repair). A mechanic said the ign cassettes on my saab model were not under recall (but maybe should be). *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. the contact experienced ignition cassette failure, which controls the sparks plugs. the dealer replaced the ignition at the cost of $500; however, the contact wants to be reimbursed. he was informed to call the saab manufacturer and report the issue. the failure mileage was 39,000.
- Tires
While trying to get my car inspected, the technician found some very concerning uneven wear in the inside edge of one of the tires. After doing research it seems to be a known issue for my car model. If the wear IS left unchecked can be a hazard for everyone on the road, fortunately it was caught…
While trying to get my car inspected, the technician found some very concerning uneven wear in the inside edge of one of the tires. After doing research it seems to be a known issue for my car model. If the wear IS left unchecked can be a hazard for everyone on the road, fortunately it was caught on time, but the fact that this IS a widely known issue with no real fix available makes me want to report it. the car IS a 2003 saab 9-5 aero, but the defect affects all trims and years of this model car. *Tr
- Electrical system
Both direct ignition cassettes failed on my 2003 saab 9-5 3.0L V6. gm recalled the cassettes on the 2000-2002 model years. *Tr
- Electrical system
My 2003 9-5 linear IS having many of the same electrical problems as described by others. My check engine light came on recently and I had the codes read. The codes represented a misfire problem. When doing research I learned that it IS most usually the direct ignition module, failure at 80000…
My 2003 9-5 linear IS having many of the same electrical problems as described by others. My check engine light came on recently and I had the codes read. The codes represented a misfire problem. When doing research I learned that it IS most usually the direct ignition module, failure at 80000 miles? Since then the car has suddenly shut down on the highway (one time), forcing me to weave through traffic with no power to get to the side. The car restarted immediately after stopping. Now the car seems to buck when driving and at idle, which IS also representative of a dim failure. I will be bringing it to the shop to get repaired under my aftermarket warranty, but I feel that saab should be paying since the failure IS the same as the 2000-2002 model year recall. *Tr
- Electrical system · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Failure of 2003 saab 95 direct ignition cassette. *Tr
- Electrical system
My 2003 saab 9-5 arc V6 3.0turbo has begun having issues with the ignition. It frequently will not start. It turns over but the engine will not completely fire. In addition, once it does start it will often stall out. This generally happens when switching from park to drive or reverse or when at a…
My 2003 saab 9-5 arc V6 3.0turbo has begun having issues with the ignition. It frequently will not start. It turns over but the engine will not completely fire. In addition, once it does start it will often stall out. This generally happens when switching from park to drive or reverse or when at a stoplight/stop sign. Once the car stalls it does not just restart. The spark plugs are all new and no lines are broken/damaged. I have examined recalls on this car and recall05087/15021b describes my problem and my model of car IS listed yet I am told that this recall does not apply to my vin number. this has happened for a few months. I am listing the incident date as today's date. *Tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
Car runs perfectly and at highway speeds will randomly stall. if you can manage to not get into an accident the car will start right back up after you turn off the key and restart. sometimes every couple of miles, and can go several miles without the stall. seems to only happen at constant…
Car runs perfectly and at highway speeds will randomly stall. if you can manage to not get into an accident the car will start right back up after you turn off the key and restart. sometimes every couple of miles, and can go several miles without the stall. seems to only happen at constant speeds. this IS a very dangerous problem. diagnostic codes are p1230 and p1261, but I think these are results of the sudden stall, and not the problem. *Tr updated 03/10/09. *Lj
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Module
My check engine light had been on- my mechanic said there was a recall (which I verified on your site), yet when I took it to saab (and called), they said my particular vin # was not covered. amazing coincidence that the exact part that was recalled got replaced??!! please advise me what I can/should do. thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. *Tr
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.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10228906This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10227674This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10222770This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10211658This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10210321This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10209980This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10201098OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Every Saab 9-5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.