2004 Saab 9-5 problems and complaints

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Saab 9-5. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (13), Engine (2), Fuel/Propulsion System (2).

Key takeaways

  • 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 1 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 0 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1368%
Engine211%
Fuel/Propulsion System211%
Tires211%
Structure211%
Engine And Engine Cooling211%
Air Bags15%
Steering15%
Power Train15%
Service Brakes15%
Hydraulic15%
Exterior Lighting15%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2004 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2025-05-10

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 continued. Often, in traf...

Air Bags - filed 2022-08-05

7/26/22 10:23pm on interstate 25 North of Denver mile 249 I was not able to stop and rear ended another vehicle. My air bags did not deploy there were no dash lights indicating any problem with the airbags prior to the accident. My vehicle was not drivable and was towed to H&R Towing in Johnstown, CO. The only inspecti...

Steering,electrical System,engine - filed 2014-07-03

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) AND THEN DAUGHTERS (...

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2004 Saab 9-5

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.