AI Damage2004 Saab 9-5: common problems
Owners of the 2004 Saab 9-5 filed 19 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 19
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 68% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 11% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 11% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 11% of all complaints
- 6 Tires 11% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 5% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (68% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (11% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.3 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 19 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Just after having come down a hill & rounding a corner, with estimated speed 35mph, the car's engine cut out, the power steering went out, & the brakes seemed not to work appropriately.
After significant vibration under front end at highway speeds appearing at less than 10,000 miles, car underwent alignment and 3 high speed balances. According to dealership, "all 4 tires were worn on insides and could only be caused by defect." dealer stated that "road forcing will not allow tires to be within the…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,437 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 23% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 9-5 has 40 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 19, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saab 9-5?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 19. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (21%), warning lights, check engine (16%), fuel system, fuel smell (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 Saab 9-5?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2004 Saab 9-5 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2004 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.