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2004 Saab 9-5Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2004 Saab 9-5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2004 Saab 9-5
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints192 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage47kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 10, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Saab 9-5 has problems

19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system131
Engine21
Engine and engine cooling20
Structure20
Tires20
Fuel/propulsion system21
Vehicle speed control10
Exterior lighting10
Power train10
3 other systems31

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2004 Saab 9-5 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 07V-087 · Mar 7, 2007 · 94,377 vehicles

Risk. OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saab.

Best & worst years

2004 vs. every other 9-5 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 9-5 median. How we score

'65'67'68'69'70'71'72'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2004 Saab 9-5 safety ratings

2004 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2004 Saab 9-5 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2004 Saab 9-5 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What 9-5 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior…
Complaint 11660144 · May 10, 2025
I HAVE OWNED A 2004 SAAB 9-5 SPORT COMBI WAGON SINCE 2006. TWICE, OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS (2011, 2014), MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH INCIDENT WHERE HE WAS THE DRIVER AND I WAS THE PASSENGER. IN BOTH INCIDENTS, I TURNED AROUND TO TALK TO MY DAUGHTER (2011)…
Complaint 10608119 · Jul 3, 2014 · 70,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SABB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE…
Complaint 10586152 · May 2, 2014 · 64,000 miles

Own a 2004 9-5?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.