1999 Saab 9-5 problems
Owners have filed 157 complaints about the 1999 Saab 9-5 with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 57.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 10.8%.
Complaints157
Crashes5
Fires1
Injuries4
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 57.3% · 90
Engine and engine cooling 10.8% · 17
Fuel system, gasoline 5.1% · 8
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.5% · 7
Power train 2.5% · 4
Air bags 2.5% · 4
Tires 1.9% · 3
Equipment 1.9% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 4 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Saab 9-5 in this data, 1999 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 77,000 miles.
In owners' own words
There was no indication that this part would fail, until it did fail. I was driving and the engine just shut off, on the highway. I was able to pull to the side of the highway and roll off an off-ramp, but did create an unsafe condition while still on the highway. The part was a "direct ignition cassette", part #9197559, and it was easily replaced by my mechanic after the car was towed to his facility. Electrical system · reported at 85,000 miles
I was driving my car at highway speeds in the express lanes of 90/94 in chicago and experienced a dramatic loss of power. Was able to slowly travel to exit and get off onto surface streets. Had to have car towed to dealer. Direct ignition cassette was replaced. This is the *same* component that is currently under a voluntary recall for later model years of my vehicle. Electrical system · reported at 56,000 miles
Dt: the contact states there is a nhtsa recall campaign 05v399000 concerning the ignition module. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to vin. The contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. *Ak updated 2/24/2006 - the faulty ignition module caused the vehicle stall suddenly without warning. Electrical system · reported at 86,700 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…