The Used Car Index

2002 Saab 9-5 problems

NHTSA lists 65 complaints for the 2002 Saab 9-5, 2 of them mention a crash and 5 mention a fire. 2 complaints mention an injury, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as SAAB 9-5.

At a glance

Complaints
65
With crash
2
With fire
5
With injury (complaints)
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Recalls
6
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
103,202
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
63

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3350.8%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1320.0%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE69.2%
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER34.6%
POWER TRAIN34.6%
SEAT BELTS34.6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER34.6%
AIR BAGS23.1%
STEERING23.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL23.1%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMIGNITION22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE8
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDELIVERY5
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEXHAUST SYSTEM2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERDELIVERY2
STEERINGHYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGHEADLIGHTS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESTRUNK LID1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

6 recalls.

08V160000

Date: 2008-04-09. Systems: SEATS.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

07V087000

Date: 2007-03-07. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

06V410000

Date: 2006-10-26. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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).

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

05V399000

Date: 2005-09-14. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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 THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

03V006000

Date: 2003-01-13. Systems: WHEELS.

Defect: 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 CHANGE SERVICE, SOME OF THIS CONTAMINATION COU (excerpt)

Consequence: THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. (excerpt)

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, 20 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

02V006000

Date: 2002-01-04. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: THE STEERING KNUCKLE CASTINGS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED DURING THE CASTING PROCESS.

Consequence: THESE KNUCKLES CAN BREAK, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE FOR THE CASTING NUMBER. IF THE KNUCKLE WAS IN THE DEFECTIVE BATCH, THE STEERING KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2002. 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

PE05017

Opened: 2005-04-07. Closed: 2005-09-23.

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 RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE.DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENT

Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Linked campaign numbers: 05V399000, 06V410000.

Manufacturer communications

63 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY5
WHEELS5
ENGINE4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
POWER TRAIN3

11020816

Date: 2025-07-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

11006621

Date: 2024-08-26. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Vehicle 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 com

11004761

Date: 2024-06-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

This 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.

11004557

Date: 2024-06-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

11002312

Date: 2024-06-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

This 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.

10252735

Date: 2024-03-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

10251890

Date: 2024-03-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

This 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.

10250775

Date: 2024-02-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

This 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.

10249011

Date: 2024-01-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.

10249579

Date: 2024-01-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN.

This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
9-565

Same model, other years

All model years | All Saab models

Other Saab models, 2002

Sources

Get this record as JSON

The free rate-limited demo needs no key.

curl "https://api.theusedcarindex.com/v1/demo/vehicle_risk?make=Saab&model=9-5&year=2002"

Paid endpoint: https://api.theusedcarindex.com/v1/vehicle_risk. MCP endpoint: https://api.theusedcarindex.com/mcp.