Saab 9-5 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every 9-5 from 1998 to 2011: 557 owner complaints and 30 recalls across 14 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (119), 1999 (118), 2001 (104). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2011).
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Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 0 | 1 | – | |
| 1999 | 2 | 118 | 22 | |
| 2000 | 3 | 119 | 21 | |
| 2001 | 4 | 104 | 22 | |
| 2002 | 6 | 65 | 22 | |
| 2003 | 4 | 47 | 22 | |
| 2004 | 2 | 19 | 21 | |
| 2005 | 2 | 11 | 21 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 23 | 22 | |
| 2007 | 2 | 17 | 21 | |
| 2008 | 2 | 20 | 21 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 2 | 21 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 2 | 20 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 9 | 24 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Saab 9-5.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Saab 9-5?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (119), 1999 (118), 2001 (104).
How many recalls has the Saab 9-5 had?
Across 1998–2011, NHTSA lists 30 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).