2000 Saab 9-5 problems
Owners have filed 121 complaints about the 2000 Saab 9-5 with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 52.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 12.4%.
Complaints121
Crashes1
Fires5
Injuries1
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 52.1% · 63
Service brakes, hydraulic 12.4% · 15
Engine and engine cooling 9.9% · 12
Fuel system, gasoline 8.3% · 10
Visibility 4.1% · 5
Steering 1.7% · 2
Fuel system, other 1.7% · 2
Air bags 1.7% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 1 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 1 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Saab 9-5 in this data, 2000 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 40 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 76,813 miles.
In owners' own words
: The contact stated one year ago the check engine light illuminated. The dealership determined the ignition discharge module needed to be replaced. The part was replaced and later the contact discovered there was a nhtsa recall, # 05v399000, regarding the electrical system: ignition: module. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however was not included in the recall due to the vin. Electrical system · reported at 60,000 miles
Di cassette failure on my 2000 Saab 9-5 aero. This part has been replaced at least twice previously, and the Saab dealership is recommending a third replacement now at 84k miles. Additionally, they state that the catalytic converter has been damaged because of the di cassette failure. Total cost for these repairs nears $2000, which is egregious for the type of failure and the apparent frequency of replacement. Electrical system · reported at 58,000 miles
On 8/11/03 I was driving on us route 9 in hudson new york when my engine stopped running. Pulled to side of road. Had to be towed to Saab dealer 40 miles away. Replace ignition cassette. Was advised due to my attempt to re-start the car, raw gas got into catalytic converter. Tyhat had to be replaced several weeks later. I am writing this so late as I was unaware this may not be an isolated instance. Electrical system · reported at 54,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…