AI Damage2008 Saab 9-5: common problems
Owners of the 2008 Saab 9-5 filed 20 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 20
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 95% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 10% of all complaints
- Air bags: 19 complaints (95% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (10% 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 20 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 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.
I had my airbag replaced on recall several years ago. I now have an error alert on my dash indicating an air bag problem. My service technician tells me there are no parts available. What alternatives are available for me, besides drive an unsafe car or junk it (probably illegal to sell )
The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
While traveling on freeway, ignition suddenly shut off and car lost all power. Had to steer to the side of the road without power and then restart car to continue.
In addition, the air bag warning lamp illuminated sporadically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnosed the failure for the air bag warning lamp . The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired for the ignition switch.
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 8,257 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 20, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saab 9-5?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, electrical system. Total complaints: 20. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: airbag warning light (10%), warning lights, check engine (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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.