AI Damage2006 Saab 9-7X: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Saab 9-7X filed 59 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 59
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 42% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 22% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 19% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Electronic stability control 8% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 8% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 7% of all complaints
- 8 Engine 5% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 25 complaints (42% of all).
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (22% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 11 complaints (19% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 6 complaints (10% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 5 complaints (8% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.2 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 5.3 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 59 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the passenger's side mirror would move independently while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact also stated that driver's seat also adjusted independently upon entering the vehicle without warning.
Takata recall the headlights will not stay on one go out to the other go out and they come back on then they go out again all through while I'm driving headlights will not stay on come on and off
The fire department was not contacted. Kelly cadillac (1986 state rd, lancaster, [ZIP], [phone]) was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall. The manufacturer not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact stated while the vehicle was brought to the swedish garage for air bag replacements, the vehicle attempted to start independently and the passenger side door panel emitted smoke.
While driving, the fuel gauge failed to display the proper fuel level and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel level sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
On another occasion, the headlights failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical system failed and the fuse and head lamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 saab 9-7x. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the wheels seized and control of the vehicle was lost. The contact was able to regain control and merged to the shoulder of the road.
Filed a complaint about this issue before (03/2015) and having the same problem, headlights flicker and sometimes go completely off while driving on highways and city streets. I received a recall notice when this issue was first known, after that I did not receive any other paperwork concerning this issue.
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 4,893 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 13% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 9-7X has 34 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 59, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- 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 2006 Saab 9-7X?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, electrical system, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 59. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (41%), headlights and tail lights (17%), warning lights, check engine (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Saab 9-7X?
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 2006 Saab 9-7X 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 2006 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.