2003 Saab 9-5 Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Saab 9-5 problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Saab 9-5
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Saab 9-5 problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Netherlands | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 100 | SID repaired | |
| Apr | 2007 | 225 | change orange relay | |
| Feb | 2008 | 590 | xenon bulb & 2 parking sensors | |
| Apr | 2008 | 548 | replace airconditioning condensor | |
| Jul | 2008 | 350 | Bypass valve while on holiday in Italy | |
| Aug | 2008 | 248 | oil change, check bypass valve, update transmission software | |
| Oct | 2008 | 80 | replace thermostat | |
| Feb | 2009 | 350 | Trunk lock motor | |
| Dec | 2009 | 68820 | 150 | Parking light had to be repaired by removing headlight assembly Removed alarm module after intermittent failure. Module was beyond repair. |
| Jan | 2010 | 70060 | 315 | Direct Injection Cassette Replaced |
| Apr | 2010 | 73780 | 120 | Neon Light leveler replaced |
| Dec | 2010 | 86180 | 350 | Replaced fuel pump |
| Jan | 2011 | 87880 | 100 | Replace PDC (park dintance control) sensor |
| Aug | 2011 | 97340 | 200 | Replace TDC sensor |
| Sep | 2011 | 98580 | 450 | Replace Brake Booster |
| Dec | 2011 | 103540 | 300 | Repair leaking distribution oil gasket |
| Feb | 2012 | 105240 | 125 | Replace Bypass Valve |
| Jul | 2012 | 109280 | 250 | Airco leaking O-ring replaced System refilled |
| Sep | 2012 | 112220 | 150 | Replace intake hose beween intercooler and turbo Replace Hester valve |
| Jan | 2013 | 118420 | 80 | Repair automatic mirrors. Repair interior lights. Rear window water nozzle. |
| Mar | 2013 | 120900 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 33000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 34000 | 500 | Coolant bypass valve cracked, and dumped coolant. Battery light came on. Alternator failing. Replaced with reman unit. |
| Aug | 2010 | 40000 | 2400 | Air Mass Meter faulty. Replaced for $440 by independent Saab specialist A/c refigerant leaked out. Low pressure hose replaced and system recharged. Car still has a blend door or recirc motor issue, as car blows warmer air on driver's side. Leaving it alone for now. |
| Jan | 2012 | 46700 | 0 | P1230 code from the throttle body. Throttle body sensor. New throttle body was installed. Intercooler developed a crack in the plastic side casing. Hissing noise, but no loss of power or driveability. |
| Feb | 2013 | 50000 | 373 | Front wheel bearings/hub replaced due to whirring noise. Original parts, over 10 years old. |
| Mar | 2013 | 50000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 128000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 129700 | 579 | Oil dripping onto exhaust pipe, replaced oil pressure sending unit($60) Post-Purchase inspection + also replaced wear items: 2 OEM hood support struts And installed 2 new Bilstein rear struts. ($519) Total Parts+Labor = $579.00 (Good Indy!) |
| Mar | 2013 | 133000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 250 | Replaced direct ignition module. Parts costs only. | |
| Jul | 2008 | 200 | Replaced failing throttle body with rebuilt unit. I installed, so cost is part only. | |
| Aug | 2008 | 150 | Replaced coolant bypass valve | |
| Sep | 2008 | 150 | Replaced crankshaft position sensor | |
| Nov | 2008 | 100 | Replaced thermostat | |
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 72000 | 72000 | Needed to re-attach some trim |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 84000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 100000 | 80 | check engine light on for low fuel condition |
| Mar | 2013 | 106000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2004 | 0 | Replaced AC valve and refrigerant. Replaced under warranty at no cost. | |
| Oct | 2007 | 337 | Reset compass to correct zone ($40). Replaced broken cup holder ($195). Corrected thrust alignment ($80). Under warranty repaired fuel pump retaining tabs. | |
| May | 2010 | 325 | Would crank intermittently on turning key. Garage replaced starter board. Problem persisted. Personally jiggled & sprayed all under hood connections/fuses with WD40. SOLVED PROBLEM! | |
| Oct | 2011 | 156 | Noticed bluish smoke from exhaust on starting. Worsened over next five months. Replaced crank case vent kit ($55) with latest version. | |
| Feb | 2013 | 53000 | 2037 | Replaced engine mount RH Replaced front main seal Replaced oil pressure sensor Replaced oil pump O-ring Replaced rear subframe mount bushing Replaced theft alarm with a rebuilt unit. |
| Mar | 2013 | 54000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 73000 | 100 | Temp sensor and thermostat went bad. replaced both. |
| Mar | 2012 | 75000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 144000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 145000 | 360 | Sway bar links replaced 3 of 4 Engine mounts replaced. |
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 68820 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 70060 | 180 | A/C had small leak and needed to be repaired. |
| Sep | 2012 | 111600 | 0 | New battery needed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 122140 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 83000 | 0 | Valve cover gasket replaced, engine degreased |
| May | 2012 | 89500 | 225 | ABS ECU failed. Brake, Trac Off, ABS and center warning light illuminated on dash, speedometer was intermittent. Bought rebuilt ABS ECU from local Saab mechanic, installed myself in about 1 hour |
| Sep | 2012 | 91000 | 180 | Rebuilt ABS ECU I purchased from local mechanic wasn't working so I sent my original unit in for repair by BBA Reman. I reinstalled my repaired unit which also does not work. But the fault codes are different from each unit. ABS ECU still not working. Replaced valve body, still not fixed. Sent units to BBA for warranty work. Determined that they could not be fixed. Don't know what to do now |
| Oct | 2012 | 91000 | 0 | ABS ECU still not fixed, sold as is and gave discount to buyer. Could not find a working ABS ECU or get one repaired. In the end I was so frustrated that I gave up. |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 115000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 115000 | 200 | Fuel pump failure |
| Feb | 2013 | 118500 | 50 | window rollers in passenger window broken, window stuck in down position X2 plastic rollers replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 119000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 33000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 43000 | 375 | Replaced Direct Ignition Cassette and installed new spark plugs |
| Oct | 2011 | 43000 | 0 | Front Pads and Rotors |
| Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 65100 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 77500 | 60 | another burnt out headlight bulb Engine light turns on frequently now with three trouble codes. 2 for misfire 1234 cyl. and cam position sensor which doesn't exist. DIC system is on its way out. Bought OBD2 for my laptop to monitor car. |
| Dec | 2010 | 77500 | 10 | Blower fan quit working. Bought GM surplus motor, modified by cutting out motor mount plate to blow air both directions, fan cage fits perft.With proper tools took 4 HRS total and $10.00 New surplus part from princess auto. Working fine. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 103000 | 0 | Alternator failed; froze up, car was not driveable. Alternator replaced. |
| Jan | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 177000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 180000 | 300 | DI Cassette failed, was able to drive home though (car sputtering). Replaced DI and plugs, problem eliminated. |
| Oct | 2009 | 183000 | 250 | Engine would not warm up fully, followed by check engine light -- thermostat & coolant temp sensor replaced. Only needed thermostat, but I requested replacement of CTS as well. |
| Oct | 2010 | 194000 | 250 | Engine mount shot. Replaced. |
| Nov | 2010 | 195000 | 450 | Drivetrain felt "loose" and was clunking. Replaced transmission mounts and main motor mount. Will have to bring back for last mount in back. |
| Mar | 2011 | 200000 | 1150 | Horrible noise coming from engine when near idle. Was determined to be alternator bearings failing. Unit replaced with reman Bosch unit and all is well. Was getting a clunk at takeoff or when shifting into 2nd gear, also when starting the car. I suspected subframe bushings and took into dealer to be checked. They verified and replaced them. I suppose this is technically a wear item @200K. |
| Nov | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 134000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 135000 | 400 | Ignition switch repaired |
| Mar | 2010 | 137000 | 500 | Water pump and thermostat replaced |
| Apr | 2010 | 137000 | 60 | rear power window was not working. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Wyoming, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 123000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 124000 | 0 | The rear shock absorbers were worn out and leaking. I pesonally replaces both shocks and the repair was successful |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 200hp 3.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2005 | 200 | clogged injection system | |
| Apr | 2005 | 500 | cracked motor mounts | |
| May | 2005 | 800 | faulty direct ignition system | |
| Jun | 2005 | 1200 | broken fuel pump. car had to be towed. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 74000 | 500 | Check engine light catalytic converter; replaced both Oxygen sensors Relubed sway bar bushings at no cost (done one year ago for $100; car still creaks and groans over bumps, but less so; dealer estimates $2500 worth of suspension work to address; offered to fix at half retail of $1250; Declined at this time |
| Mar | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2013 | 171000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2013 | 171000 | 0 | Hole in radiator and got a new valve |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 98000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 99000 | 250 | oil leak in turbo |
| Sep | 2009 | 99000 | 0 | trunk would not open. electrical cable wires broken. Re-spliced wires |
| Nov | 2009 | 104300 | 65 | front right headlight went out |
| Mar | 2010 | 110000 | 1000 | fuel pump failed on highway |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 117000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 117000 | 800 | Shocks leaking, replaced all shocks, struts and springs |
| Jul | 2009 | 117000 | 1000 | car died at 70 MPH in passing lane, towed to dealer who replaced throttle body module. repair successful |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 128340 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 132680 | 300 | The front left hub needed to be replaced due to high-pitched whine. The PCV valve needed to be replaced - only cost $17 (changed this part myself). |
| Dec | 2012 | 140120 | 20 | Thermostat failed (12 yrs old). Easy & cheap replacement for $20 part. |
| Mar | 2013 | 141980 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 40000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 41000 | 200 | Fuel management module was faulty - killing gas mileage |
| Oct | 2009 | 42000 | 0 | Rear backup sensor wiring harness failed. Not big - not uncommon, easy fix |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 90000 | 500 | check engine light on, diagnosed as bad direct ignition cassette, replacement of direct ignition cassette solved problem. DI cassette in car was original. trunk release inoperable, some tail lights inoperable. Replaced faulty trunk lid wiring harness. |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saab 9-5
Engine not specified
| Saab 9-5 in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | 158000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 160000 | 2500 | Transmission overheated on January 24th. This was after a week of below freezing temperatures. |
Expert 2003 Saab 9-5 Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Saab 9-5 problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
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