2004 Saab 9-5 Problems and Repair Histories
2004 Saab 9-5 problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Saab 9-5
2004 Saab 9-5s for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Saab 9-5 problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 Saab 9-5 problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 Saab 9-5 problems and repair histories that follow it.
Saab 9-5 Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2004 | Saab 9-5 | 18 9-5s, 9.6 months of data per 9-5, average 102500 miles Small sample size. Join or 18 9-5s, 9.6 months of data per 9-5, average 102500 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2004 Saab 9-5 problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 Saab 9-5
Engine not specified
| Saab 9-5 in Utah, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 91500 | 0 | Warning light. Saab dealer inspection. Sensor error between SID and Sentronic transmission computer. Advised that replacing the SID would fix the issue and would cost $450. Declined the repair. |
| Sep | 2011 | 93000 | 0 | Coolant temp gauge was in the red but the engine was not overly hot. I added some coolant and the problem hasn't returned. |
| Oct | 2011 | 94700 | 185 | Oil/filter change and rear engine mount brackets replaced. replaced burned out interior lights and broken plastic trim pieces. |
| Apr | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 110000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 117000 | 900 | Water pump replaced proactively. Coolant leak at gasket repaired. Also replaced timing belt proactively. |
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 118000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 147300 | 900 | throttle body needed to be replaced driver's side tie rod |
| Jul | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2006 | 0 | Steering Rack | |
| Apr | 2010 | 130000 | 400 | Window came out of the track. engine coolant by-pass valve. |
| Sep | 2010 | 138000 | 350 | Ignition Coil Cassette |
| Jul | 2011 | 159000 | 200 | Brake Booster hose needed replacing. |
| Oct | 2011 | 166000 | 350 | HVAC control needed to be replaced. |
| Dec | 2011 | 170000 | 150 | PCV Hose |
| Mar | 2012 | 175000 | 350 | Sway bar link and control arm bushings. |
| Apr | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 140 | Replacement of failed turbo compressor bypass valve with upgraded Forge Motorsport valve. | |
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 220hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2006 | 0 | Throttle body replaced | |
| May | 2007 | 169 | V belt (not warranty) and belt tensioner (warranty) | |
| Aug | 2007 | 0 | Heater bypass valve failed (warranty) | |
| Nov | 2007 | 0 | Oil pan/timing cover leak. (warranty) | |
| Mar | 2011 | 73000 | 0 | Shop put a new bolt in wheel lining. |
| Oct | 2011 | 76000 | 500 | Intermediate exhaust pipe replaced. |
| Mar | 2012 | 86000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 51000 | 50 | Mirror fell off |
| Jun | 2011 | 52000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 0 | ESP and Anti-Lock Brake warning lights coming on randomly. Saab said it was a failed rear bearing and replaced it under warranty. 2000 more miles, no lights, but yesterday wife reported seeing lights come on again. Will monitor and report any future diagn | |
| Jun | 2008 | 660 | ABS/ESP lights back on. Dealer recalibrated system. Also noted front rotors had at some point been replaced with wrong size (too small). Had dealer fix. Currently fighting with Saab to reimburse me, since this was a CPO car and this should've been caught. | |
| Apr | 2010 | 103000 | 750 | New brake booster needed. Started whistling and not holding pressure. Could hear from inside cabin. |
| Nov | 2010 | 115000 | 560 | Exhaust was rusting out. Muffler was getting loud. Ordered aftermarket system and had indie install. Xenon light blinks and goes out on occasion, randomly. Was told it could be an ignitor or a tilt/yaw sensor. Indie does not have a "tech II" to diagnose. Will have to take it to the dealer. |
| Dec | 2011 | 135000 | 300 | Subframe bushings were shot, making the front of the car creak when starting out, also making it feel not stable on the road -- worst when turning and going over a bump. |
| Feb | 2012 | 135000 | 0 | Bought quality bulbs (made in Germany - OSRAM?) to replace the ones I had bought last year. Popped them in, no more issues. |
| Mar | 2012 | 135000 | 300 | Coolant temp sensor, Thermostat. Replaced this month for $300 before I sold it. Tailgate washer non-functional. Did not repair. |
| Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 450 | Sway bar link replaced. | |
| May | 2010 | 100 | A/C compressor replaced under warranty. All gaskets except oil pan gasket replaced due to leakage under warranty. ECU replaced under warranty Passenger seat heater element replaced under warranty. Throttle body replaced under warranty. | |
| Jul | 2010 | 100 | Power steering pump replaced under warranty. | |
| Oct | 2011 | 66960 | 0 | fog lights not working but otherwise all functions go. |
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 220hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 112000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 120000 | 285 | Direct Ignition Cassette needed replacement -- CEL codes P1312 and P1334. This was actually a long interval to replacement of original DIC (6 1/2 years); normally fail earlier than this, and mine was not total failure (yet!) |
| Jun | 2011 | 126000 | 90 | Replaced coolant manifold by firewall. |
| Mar | 2013 | 154000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 35000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 40000 | 42 | Coolant bypass valve failed. Replaced. |
| Nov | 2012 | 61700 | 0 | Replace front brake pads, not rotors |
| Dec | 2012 | 62000 | 0 | battery failed, replaced at no mechanic cost at auto parts store |
| Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 109000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 117000 | 680 | CEL and rough idling. Replaced direct ignition module and induction cleaned the fuel system. |
| Dec | 2010 | 128000 | 300 | Car not warming up properly, suspected a bad thermostat stuck in open position. Thermostat was replaced and car runs normally. |
| Aug | 2011 | 137000 | 750 | Replaced fuel pump as a preventative measure against roadside failure. Crank position sensor replaced as a preventative measure against roadside failure |
| Mar | 2012 | 146000 | 450 | Replaced rear shocks |
| Jul | 2012 | 152000 | 100 | Front Swaybar bushing replaced to stop creaking noise |
| Dec | 2012 | 158000 | 450 | CEL came on, some stumbling after a cold start. |
| Mar | 2013 | 165000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 400 | replaced oil separator box | |
| Sep | 2009 | 250 | replaced vacuum hoses, bypass valve, crank oil seal, coolant temp sensor, oil pressure sensor. | |
| May | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 111000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 113000 | 500 | replace bypass valve and replace trans fluid |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 145000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 160000 | 150 | New water pump & gaskets. |
| Mar | 2013 | 191000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 70000 | 525 | awful Lencore Group in Paterson,NJ sold me this car knowing of faulty Direct Ignition Cassette, head gasket, belts. So far I paid for D.I.C. and will address head gasket when $$ are avail. |
| Dec | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Victoria, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 72540 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 73740 | 300 | Car was losing power and overrevving, very erratic. Drained transmission oil changed x2 drove short trips and changed again. Good mechanic figured out that intercooler vacuum leak was cause. |
| Mar | 2013 | 86800 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 91000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 91500 | 0 | Right front Xenon headlamp assembly replaced with good used part (new on national backorder); flap would not raise for high beam operation. |
| Mar | 2013 | 100000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Queensland, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 84320 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 99600 | 950 | Engine and transmission mount |
| Mar | 2013 | 101060 | 100 | Ignition barrel required cleaning and lubrication as it was not popping up when key removed. Gear selector trim broken. |
| Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 240 | Auto transmission slipping, ATF flushed, solved problem. | |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 83000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 85000 | 100 | Steering shaft develops a "wobble", or looseness felt through the steering wheel, over time as the shaft splines lose lubrication. The service involves lubricating the steering shaft splines to correct the problem. |
| Oct | 2011 | 87000 | 60 | Needed new headlight relay. Symtpom was intermittent function of high beams. |
| Jan | 2012 | 90000 | 110 | Turn signal stalk was not self cancelling on left hand turns. Replaced turn signal stalk. Front passenger window was working intermittently. Removed window switch pack from center console, cleaned contacts. |
| Feb | 2012 | 91000 | 176 | The Saab 9-5 has 6 subframe bushings that cradle the engine and transmission. Two of these bushings were severely worn. The bushings were replaced. |
| Aug | 2012 | 96500 | 280 | Car experienced a crank/no start condition. Replaced crankshaft position sensor. |
| Sep | 2012 | 97000 | 90 | Engine would not crank or start, and would not respond to a jump start. Replaced battery. |
| Feb | 2013 | 101000 | 10 | Interior lights coming on intermittently after opening driver's door. Replaced plunger-type switch in driver's door jamb. |
| Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 0 | OnStar antenna | |
| Feb | 2008 | 0 | wheel liners | |
| Mar | 2010 | 68300 | 35 | replaced cracked PCV and hose |
| Jan | 2011 | 74000 | 0 | Rear springs had started to sag, so installed spacers to get the ride height correct. While doing the work, replaced the rear shocks as a preventative measure. |
| Mar | 2012 | 82000 | 60 | replaced coolant bypass valve |
| Jul | 2012 | 88300 | 300 | car not starting when hot. replaced crankshaft position sensor. |
| Apr | 2013 | 89000 | 17 | replaced driver-side window rollers (green rollers) |
| Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 89000 | 0 | driver side headlight flickering...source of problem not found |
| Jan | 2012 | 92000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 45000 | 150 | Oil seepage remedied with a new seal. |
| Sep | 2012 | 56000 | 250 | Replaced failed hot water valve. |
| Dec | 2012 | 56000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 68200 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 74400 | 750 | Window switch for driver's door not working. |
| Apr | 2012 | 76260 | 380 | replaced all 4 engine and transmission mounts due to sagging. This fixed engine lurching under acceleration, improved gear shift accuracy and eliminated extra engine noise and vibration. |
| Aug | 2012 | 77500 | 1100 | Replaced all 4 struts and springs. Springs sagged noticeably (1" or more) compared to new. OEM Shocks would've been good for another year though. All work done by myself, pretty simple with the right tools. Replacement of all 6 front subframe bushings (known weak spot for 9-5s). Requires removal of the subframe assy. Rear 2 bushes shot, other 4 just well worn. $300 |
| Jan | 2013 | 80600 | 800 | Front control arm bushings were replaced. Could last another season or two but did it because the subframe was off to replace gearbox. $100 Replaced the gearbox for another used unit. Possibly abused by previous owner. I do not consider it a failure per se - the old one worked, although had sticky action (especially reverse) and whined for quite a while. $400 part and $300 labor. |
| Mar | 2013 | 84940 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 14400 | 1500 | Synco for reverse went out so car could not reliably go into reverse |
| Apr | 2011 | 17000 | 0 | Front Saab emblem on hood fell off and not replaced. |
2004 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 220hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 54300 | 780 | Ignition module failed - plugs fouled |
| May | 2011 | 61000 | 397 | heater water supply hose leaking |
| Mar | 2013 | 78000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 64000 | 1100 | Replaced exhaust manifold leak. Replaced water pump. |
| Jun | 2010 | 70000 | 250 | Heater valve leaking - replaced. |
| Oct | 2010 | 76000 | 400 | Serpentine belt tensioner making noise and replaced |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 68200 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 70440 | 300 | Crankshaft position indicator defective |
| Dec | 2012 | 83080 | 206 | HIDS Bulb Replacement |
| Mar | 2013 | 83700 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 95 | 4 wheel alignment - wear pattern | |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | Replace battery - warranty | |
| Nov | 2008 | 0 | Replace engine module circuit boards - warranty | |
| Mar | 2009 | 89 | 4 wheel alignment | |
| Sep | 2009 | 387 | Heater by-pass valve leaking - replace | |
| May | 2010 | 53500 | 1172 | Replace engine subframe bushings 4 wheel alignment |
| Jul | 2010 | 54700 | 0 | Fix toe in from previous alignment |
| Jan | 2011 | 59700 | 187 | Replace battery |
| Apr | 2011 | 62000 | 123 | 1/2 inch play in steering wheel - check steering and suspension - told problem was probably universal joint wear in steering column - no repair recommended. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saab 9-5 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Saab 9-5 in Norway | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 88040 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 90520 | 0 | Car vibrated when braking and severe lack of breaking power. Brake service with replacement of front disk and pads. |
| May | 2010 | 91760 | 0 | Minor rust attack on rear right door. |
| Oct | 2010 | 95480 | 1800 | Rust in the left rear wheel arch, minor rust attack in the rear right door. The rust was sanded down and repainted. |
| Dec | 2010 | 97340 | 3500 | Thermostat needed replacement, when the engine temperature never got up to normal when the car was driven. The car also could overheat when driving in city traffic. The repair also included oil change and lubing the handbrake rear drums. |
| Apr | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2004 Saab 9-5 Repair Advice
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