SAAB 9-5 · model year

2004 SAAB 9-5

30 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004SAAB9-5 carries 30 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 3 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 9-5 is electrical system with 8 filings, followed by tires (2) and electrical system:ignition:switch (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2004 9-5. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

30
Complaints
1
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

30 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
TIRES2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ENGINE2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
POWER TRAIN1

Recalls (2)

08V16000009/04/2008

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

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

07V08700007/03/2007

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Recent Complaints

20250510FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. I bought 3, one a Bosch branded model, and It has never restarted. Many other drivers complain in forums, like Saab Forums, that they are experiencing the same p

20250510FireENGINE

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 traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. I bought 3, one a Bosch branded model, and It has never restarted. Many other drivers complain in forums, like Saab Forums, that they are experiencing the same p

20250510FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. I bought 3, one a Bosch branded model, and It has never restarted. Many other drivers complain in forums, like Saab Forums, that they are experiencing the same p

20220805CrashAIR BAGS

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 inspection so far has been by an Amica Insurance adjuster. My set belt pretensioner held me fast but the crown of my head went forward into the visor area I was dazed. I went by ambulance to MCR hospital in Loveland diagnosed with a concussion. I had other bruises from the seatbelt and hitting my left knee on the dash. The damage to my car begins at the driver’s side headlamp area and radiates across the font of the car to the headlights on the passenger side. The hood was folded back and there is significant damage to all the components in the front part of the engine compartment. I’ve tried to contact Saab cars but no response, they stopped building cars in 2011. I tried GM

20140703ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 (2014) AND INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WITH MY KNEE. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE CAR BY THE CONSOLE. IT ONLY TOOK A SLIGHT TAP OF MY KNEE AND MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING AT SPEEDS OF 75-80 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, BOTH TIMES MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

20140703ENGINE

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 (2014) AND INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WITH MY KNEE. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE CAR BY THE CONSOLE. IT ONLY TOOK A SLIGHT TAP OF MY KNEE AND MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING AT SPEEDS OF 75-80 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, BOTH TIMES MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

20140703STEERING

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 (2014) AND INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WITH MY KNEE. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE CAR BY THE CONSOLE. IT ONLY TOOK A SLIGHT TAP OF MY KNEE AND MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING AT SPEEDS OF 75-80 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, BOTH TIMES MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

20140502ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 10/23/2014*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE AND NO AUTOMATIC WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON FREQUENTLY. UPDATED 8/10/2015*JS

Mileage: 64,000

20140314ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, AND THE TWICE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,108.

Mileage: 51,108

20140314FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, AND THE TWICE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,108.

Mileage: 51,108

20140314POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, AND THE TWICE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,108.

Mileage: 51,108

20140306ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WITH HER PURSE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE WATER BOTTLE THAT WAS IN HER PURSE TOPPLED OVER AND STRUCK THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

20130410TIRES

KUMHO ECSTA LX PLATINUM 225/45ZR17 TIRE ON LEFT FRONT OF SAAB 9-5 WITH APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES USE BLEW OUT SUDDENLY (RAPID LOSS OF AIR) AND WITHOUT WARNING AT 35 MPH. APPEARS TO HAVE SEVERAL CRACKS IN SIDEWALL NEAR TREAD. PRIOR TO BLOWOUT, SLIGHT LEFT PULL IN CAR STEERING WAS NOTED DURING INTERSTATE DRIVING, BUT ASSUMED TO BE ALIGNMENT ISSUE SINCE ALL TIRES MAINTAINED NORMAL PRESSURE. TIRE WAS REPLACED; DEALER DETERMINED TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE (POSSIBLE INTERNAL BELT SLIP). FAILED TIRE IS AVAILABLE FROM OWNER. *TR

Mileage: 24,895

20110826ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

A RECALL WAS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FOR SAAB DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURES FOR MODEL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2002. MY 2004 SAAB 9-5 ARC, WHICH HAS 46,180 MILES ON IT, HAD TO HAVE THE DI CASSETTE REPLACED TODAY DUE TO FAILURE. MY MODEL YEAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL DUE TO THE LIMITED (LESS THAN REASONABLE) LIFE OF THE PART. *TT

Mileage: 46,172

20100915ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WOULD TURN OFF COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MOST LIKELY THE CAUSE FOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/10/11*JB UPDATED 3/31/14*CN

Mileage: 60,000

20100915ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WOULD TURN OFF COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MOST LIKELY THE CAUSE FOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/10/11*JB UPDATED 3/31/14*CN

Mileage: 60,000

20100117STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

2004 SAAB 95 LINEAR WAGON LIFTGATE HINGE FAILURE HINGE MAY OR MAY NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE AT THE OPEN POSITION. IF ONE IS REACHING DEEP INTO THE TRUNK, LIFTGATE CAN CLOSE BY ITSELF, AND HIT ON THE BACK WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

20081015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PURCHASED THE CAR USED 5/23/08 WITH 42,700 MILES FROM SAAB DEALERSHIP. WITHIN A MONTH THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED RANDOMLY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON RANDOMLY. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULDN'T HURT ANYTHING AND SHOULD IT BECOME MORE FREQUENT, BRING THE CAR IN. 8/18 TOOK THE CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP WHEN THE LIGHT WAS COMING ON MORE FREQUENTLY. HEADLIGHT RELAY REPLACED, ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO A DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. SAAB DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PART WHICH WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER, PART CAME IN 10/9. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN 10/6 DUE TO STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER MOVED ABOVE THE MIDDLE. BYPASS VALVE REPLACED ($450 PARTS/LABOR). VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 48,500 MILES AND IS OUT OF MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER DEALERSHIPS LIMITED WARRANTY. AFTER AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR INFORMATION RELATING TO THE DI CASSETTE FAILURE I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2000-2002 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 SAAB 9.

Mileage: 46,500

20081015ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

PURCHASED THE CAR USED 5/23/08 WITH 42,700 MILES FROM SAAB DEALERSHIP. WITHIN A MONTH THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED RANDOMLY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON RANDOMLY. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULDN'T HURT ANYTHING AND SHOULD IT BECOME MORE FREQUENT, BRING THE CAR IN. 8/18 TOOK THE CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP WHEN THE LIGHT WAS COMING ON MORE FREQUENTLY. HEADLIGHT RELAY REPLACED, ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO A DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. SAAB DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PART WHICH WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER, PART CAME IN 10/9. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN 10/6 DUE TO STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER MOVED ABOVE THE MIDDLE. BYPASS VALVE REPLACED ($450 PARTS/LABOR). VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 48,500 MILES AND IS OUT OF MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER DEALERSHIPS LIMITED WARRANTY. AFTER AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR INFORMATION RELATING TO THE DI CASSETTE FAILURE I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2000-2002 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 SAAB 9.

Mileage: 46,500

20081015EXTERIOR LIGHTING

PURCHASED THE CAR USED 5/23/08 WITH 42,700 MILES FROM SAAB DEALERSHIP. WITHIN A MONTH THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED RANDOMLY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON RANDOMLY. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULDN'T HURT ANYTHING AND SHOULD IT BECOME MORE FREQUENT, BRING THE CAR IN. 8/18 TOOK THE CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP WHEN THE LIGHT WAS COMING ON MORE FREQUENTLY. HEADLIGHT RELAY REPLACED, ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO A DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. SAAB DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PART WHICH WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER, PART CAME IN 10/9. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN 10/6 DUE TO STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER MOVED ABOVE THE MIDDLE. BYPASS VALVE REPLACED ($450 PARTS/LABOR). VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 48,500 MILES AND IS OUT OF MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER DEALERSHIPS LIMITED WARRANTY. AFTER AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR INFORMATION RELATING TO THE DI CASSETTE FAILURE I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2000-2002 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 SAAB 9.

Mileage: 46,500

Compare 2004SAAB9-5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 SAAB 9-5 have?
The 2004 SAAB 9-5 has 30 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 SAAB 9-5?
Yes, the 2004 SAAB 9-5 has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 SAAB 9-5?
The most-complained component for the 2004 SAAB 9-5 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include TIRES and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH.
Is the 2004 SAAB 9-5 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.