2006 Saab 9-5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2006 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 2006 Saab 9-5. Newest first.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
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.
Owner complaints
23 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Takata recall.i no longer have this vehicle,it was actually my daughters car but I was the co signer for her loan.this vehicle was traded in at van horn in fon du lac ,wi at least a year and a half ago.we have called people including contacting gm online saying we no longer have this car yet we keep getting recall info!!please contact van horn to see what they did with this car.
- Air bags
2006 saab. Consumer writes in regards to driver airbag inflator safety recall. *Ld *js
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact recieved notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact recieved notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called the putnam buick pontiac GMC dealer (198 california drive, burlingame, ca 94010; 650-342-9500) and was informed that the parts were not available and that there was an extensive backorder on the parts needed for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) however, the contact was unable to get the repair completed due to lack of available dealers to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) however, the contact was unable to get the repair completed due to lack of available dealers to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact to ship the vehicle to california or takes the vehicle to the local cadillac dealer. Honolulu buick GMC cadillac located at 2945 n nimitiz hwy, honolulu, hi was contacted and informed the contact that they did not perform that type of service. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall - airbag on above car was replaced under recall on 5/25/2017. Now, the airbag light keeps turning on sporadically. The garage - just saab (513) 527-4300 - who replaced the airbag claimed the first time when I took the car back to them that it was "resistance" that caused the light to…
Takata recall - airbag on above car was replaced under recall on 5/25/2017. Now, the airbag light keeps turning on sporadically. The garage - just saab (513) 527-4300 - who replaced the airbag claimed the first time when I took the car back to them that it was "resistance" that caused the light to come on and they fixed this problem. The airbag light IS still coming on sporadically and I believe that the airbag I received as a replacement IS defective. The garage insists I drive the car back to them, again, so they can check the airbag again. here IS what IS happening: when the car IS backed out of the garage, the airbag light and chime come on and stay on for a few seconds then the airbag light turns off. Then, the car IS driving forward, again, the airbag light comes on for a few seconds and then turns off. The car IS driven for many miles and the light stays off. The airbag light doesn't come when the car drives over a bump. The car can be driven for many miles and the light doesn't come on. the randomness of the airbag light turning on and off makes it impossible to determine the reason for the occurrence other than assuming that the replaced takata airbag IS defective - still - since the car never had this problem until the airbag was replaced by just saab in cincinnati
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Takata recall. Received the first recall letter involving the takata airbag inflators back in may 24, 2016. The car dealer will not fix the problem unless I get the second letter which, as of yet, I haven't received
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Slow remedy for airbag recall and repair. when will this be eligible to be repaired?
- Air bags
Takata recall - taking too long to replace.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Exterior lighting · Power train · Steering
This car had a simultaneous failure involving the steering, xenon headlamps and power train, specifically the all wheel drive system. all systems need to be replaced but gm has not made replacement parts available, has not corrected production errors in current parts. current parts on market fail with 10000 miles.
- Tires › Sidewall
TL* the contact owns a 2006 saab 9-5 equipped with firestone champion hr tires, size: 235/45r/17 (na). The contact stated that the sidewalls of two tires were cracked. Firestone inspected the tires and diagnosed that the contact ran over the utility, which caused the cracks. The vehicle failure mileage was 187,000 and the tire failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
- Exterior lighting
The headlights of this car IS so weak that I could not see the road when I was driving in the dark. I did polish the outside of the lights box but it did not make any difference. I replaced the lights with saab but it IS still very hard to see the road in the dark.
- Electrical system
Car shut off twice while driving on highway.each time I was able to pull over to shoulder and re start. I took the car to saab dealer and they could no find anything. I later took car to another saab dealer and they installed a new device (believe something to do with computer) and said that if…
Car shut off twice while driving on highway.each time I was able to pull over to shoulder and re start. I took the car to saab dealer and they could no find anything. I later took car to another saab dealer and they installed a new device (believe something to do with computer) and said that if that did not take care of problem, they did not have an answer. There were no further issues until maybe 2 years later, also shut off while coming off a ramp but that may have been due to low fuel according to dealer (my fuel was low). There have not been any further incidents. *tr
- Engine
Engine misfiring, due to common di cassette issues that plagued other models, some of which were previously recalled. this shouldn't fail after on 60,000, regardless of age, especially given it's exorbitant cost. thankfully it hasn't failed me on the highway (yet). *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Unknown- direct ignition cassette unit has been replaced three times. each time of replacement the actual part has melted, burned out causing the car to automatically shut down. the car only has 72,000 miles. the part IS melting again making this the fourth replacement in a 3 month period.…
Unknown- direct ignition cassette unit has been replaced three times. each time of replacement the actual part has melted, burned out causing the car to automatically shut down. the car only has 72,000 miles. the part IS melting again making this the fourth replacement in a 3 month period. engine - exhaust manifold/catalytic converter needs to be replaced and all saab authorized dealers in northern ca. State they are unable to get part due to being on back order and no idea when the part will be available. but I was able to find the part out of state in chicago at quality auto parts. *tr
- Service brakes, electric
Loss of braking power, car wouldn't stop. Was able to stop car by pushing extremely hard on the brakes. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Significantly delayed acceleration when ambient temps exceed 90F. Car functions normally until you encounter summer temps and heavy traffic. Then, upon pressing the accelerator pedal car hesitates severely until engine speed reaches approximately 2100 rpm. Then acceleration comes on stronger than…
Significantly delayed acceleration when ambient temps exceed 90F. Car functions normally until you encounter summer temps and heavy traffic. Then, upon pressing the accelerator pedal car hesitates severely until engine speed reaches approximately 2100 rpm. Then acceleration comes on stronger than expected. This IS particularly disturbing when making left turns or entering a busy street. Car sometimes misfires when this occurs. *tr
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
2006 saab 9-5 with multiple problems. Consumer states that the throttle broke, shut off on its own due to a faulty fuel gauge. Minor problems are radio grill popping out and heat comes on in the summer and cold air comes in the winter. *kb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
No specific events lead to the failure of the brake system. the brake system IS marginally functional and has been since the car was purchased new. the rear brake rotors began to wear showing visible grooving at approximately 1200 miles while the front rotors still show no signs of wear or…
No specific events lead to the failure of the brake system. the brake system IS marginally functional and has been since the car was purchased new. the rear brake rotors began to wear showing visible grooving at approximately 1200 miles while the front rotors still show no signs of wear or grooving at 4800 miles. improper brake performance IS further evidenced by the rapid accumulation of brake dust on the surface of the rear wheels wnd only slight accumulation of brake dust on the front wheels. the vehicle IS also quite unstable and difficult to keep within the traffic lane during emergency braking maneuvers from speeds of approximately 60 mph or higher. nothing has been done to correct the failure. the dealership has been contacted and notified of the problem. they acknowledged the problem and reported that others have filed the same complaint. the front/rear braking force IS automatically controlled by the vehicle control system. the manufacturer's service department has told me there IS nothing they can do to remedy the problem. the vehicle IS leased to me under a three year contract. I therefore have no option to sell it or terminate the lease and am legally bound to maintain payments on this unsafe vehicle for another 36 months. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 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.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10252974This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
- 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.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10251345This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, N212328800, N242437050, N242437060, N242437070.
- 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.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246963Changing Turn-By-Turn Voice Response To Metric Or English Units
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar 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
- 10245804Aftermarket ALDL or DLC Interface Devices Causing Multiple Issues
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 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.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10244200This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers 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.
Every Saab 9-5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.