2009 Saab 9-5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Saab 9-5: 1 recall, 2 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V063000 · 2016 · 113,716 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Saab 9-5 has 2 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 14 9-5 model years for complaints (well below the 40 average). Neighboring years: 2008 (20 complaints, 2 recalls), 2010 (2 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
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 2009 Saab 9-5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2009 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2009 Saab 9-5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Saab 9-5 problems?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (2).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Saab 9-5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.