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1999-2007 Saab 9-5 Reliability
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our reliability study for this generation Saab 9-5 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Saab 9-5.
1999-2007 Saab 9-5 Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Cold-starting problems: Starting problems (both hot and cold) are corrected by having the ECM reprogrammed. (1999)
Dashboard lights: Water can leak into the antilock brake module causing warning light to come on. (1999-2000)
Electrical problem: About 600 cars were being recalled to have the wiring harness rerouted because it was too close to the ABS bracket. (1999)
Electrical problem: Intermittent no-crank caused by primary electrical connection nut working loose. (2000-04)
None: Lack of power and no turbocharger boost because clip breaks on waste gate actuator arm. (1999-2002)
Poor transmission shift: The shifter may not move from the park position. Dealers were replacing shift-lock solenoids in a customer-service recall campaign. (1999-2000)
Security alarm: A defective antitheft siren causes a "check theft alarm" message. The company notified owners to have it replaced at no charge. (1999)
Water leak: Water leaks in some cars is caused by a hole created during the welding at the factory and must be plugged with a sealer. (1999-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $415
Alternator $315
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,030
Brakes $260
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $470
Constant Velocity Joints $670
Exhaust System $270
Radiator $255
Shocks and/or Struts $440
Timing Chain or Belt $280
NHTSA Recall History
1999-01: Airbag alert labels may not be permanently affixed as required.
1999-03: If drivers change tires seasonally, rust may build up on the steel tire, causing grinding and the fracturing of the wheel bolts. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000-02 w/B205/B235 four-cylinder or B308 six-cylinder engine: Overheating and burnout of isolated gated bipolar transistor may occur, most often at engine start-up.
2001-05 9-5 sedans: The fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump.
2002: Steering-knuckle castings may have been contaminated during the casting process. If they break, steering control could be lost.
2002-03 9-5 w/B308 6-cylinder gasoline engines: Engine stalling may occur due to a faulty ignition discharge module. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
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