The 2005 Saab 9-5 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 151,766 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEATS08V1600002008-04-0957,389 affected
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.
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.
Complaints by component
AIR BAGS
2
2crashes1injuries
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
1
ENGINE
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1
EQUIPMENT
1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1
POWER TRAIN
1
Total complaints15
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“I was involved with in an accident on friday december 14th, 2012. I was returning to work on my lunch break and a lady ran a red light, pulling out infront of me, and I ended up t-boning her going roughly 45mph. I was extremely disappointed that no air bags were deployed in such a severe head on…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 9-5 saab. The contact stated that while traveling 70 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated repeatedly as the vehicle began to sputter and jerk. The contact then merged to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be driven to the…”
“Check engine light was sporadically on for about two weeks. On 7/14 coolant level low indication came on. Coolant reservoir was empty. Filled, started engine, coolant leaked in a steady stream from the car. Towed to dealer. Diagnosed ignition cassette as faulty and water valve (part servicing…”
“Running lights will not turn off, even after the car is stopped and the key is out of the ignition, causing the battery to run down. *js”
“Running lights will not turn off, even after the car is stopped and the key is out of the ignition, causing the battery to run down. *js”
“The ignition cassette needed to be replaced. *tr”
“Because of improper design, rear wire harness for reverse lights are being severed causing the reversing lights not to work. This same design flaw can be attributed to the failure of brake lights and electronic trunk release/lock. *tr”
“Because of improper design, rear wire harness for reverse lights are being severed causing the reversing lights not to work. This same design flaw can be attributed to the failure of brake lights and electronic trunk release/lock. *tr”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2005 Saab 9-5 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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