Saab problems
Saab Automobile AB (/sɑːb/) was a car manufacturer that was founded in Sweden in 1945 when its parent company, Saab AB, began a project to design a small automobile. The first production model, the Saab 92, was launched in 1949. In 1968 the parent company merged with Scania-Vabis, and ten years later the Saab 900 was launched, in time becoming Saab's best-selling model. In the mid-1980s the new Saab 9000 model also appeared.
In 1989, the automobile division of Saab-Scania was restructured into an independent company, Saab Automobile AB. The American manufacturer General Motors (GM) took 50 percent ownership. Two well-known models to come out of this period were the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5. Then in 2000, GM exercised its option to acquire the remaining 50 percent. In 2010 GM sold Saab Automobile AB to the Dutch automobile manufacturer Spyker Cars N.V.
After many years establishing a sound engineering reputation and ultimately a luxury price tag, Saab failed to build its customer base beyond its niche following. After struggling to avoid insolvency throughout 2011, the company petitioned for bankruptcy following the failure of a Chinese consortium to complete a purchase of the company; the purchase had been blocked by the former owner GM, which opposed the transfer of technology and production rights to a Chinese company. On 13 June 2012, it was announced that a newly formed company called National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) had bought Saab Automobile's bankrupt estate. According to "Saab United", the first NEVS Saab 9-3 drove off its pre-production line on 19 September 2013. Full production restarted on 2 December 2013, initially the same petrol-powered 9-3 Aero sedans that were built before Saab went bankrupt, and intended to get the car manufacturer's supply chain re-established as it attempted development of a new line of NEVS-Saab products. NEVS lost its license to manufacture automobiles under the Saab name (which the namesake aerospace company still owns) in the summer of 2014 and later produced electric cars based on the Saab 9-3 but under its own new car designation "NEVS".
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Saab models
Common Saab problems
Saab, a prominent Swedish car manufacturer, produced many popular sedans and SUVs. Despite their generally high reliability ratings, there are some common problems that Saab owners have reported across different models and years. Here are some of the most common problems with Saab models:
- Ignition Issues: Ignition issues are another common problem with Saab models. The ignition cassettes in the Saab 9-5 (2000, 2006, 2008) are known to fail, causing problems with starting the car. Ignition issues can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, as they can leave you stranded or unable to start your car when you need it most.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem with Saab models, particularly in the Saab 9-3 (2000, 2003-2011) and the Saab 900 (1996, 1997). The oil leaks are most common from the valve cover gasket, the distributor o-ring, and the oil pump cover seal. In some cases, the head gasket can also fail, causing the engine’s coolant and oil to mix. This can cause the engine to smoke and overheat, which is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
- Sagging Suspension: The Saab 9-7X (2006) is known for its sagging rear suspension, which can cause the back of the car to be too low to the ground. This issue is caused by the suspension sensors needing to be recalibrated. The all-wheel-drive system is also known to malfunction, turning on and off unexpectedly. Finally, the trunk tailgate is known to malfunction when either opening or closing.
- CV Boot Issues: The Saab 9-2X (2005, 2006) has issues with the CV boots, which keep dirt and water out of the car’s flexible axle joints. If the CV boots fail, the axle can become worn, leading to expensive repairs.
- Bulkhead Issues: The Saab 9-3 (1998-2011) has issues with the bulkhead, which is caused by a mounting system that connects this part to the steering rack. This issue can cause clicking noises when the wheel is turned to its full potential and vague and slightly unresponsive steering. It is advisable to avoid any vehicle exhibiting these symptoms.
- Cooler Oil Leaks: The Saab 9-3 (1998-2011) can have leaks between the lubrication and cooling systems due to the chain. This issue is one of the more expensive on the list to fix and is definitely one that should make you think twice about purchasing a Saab 9-3 with these symptoms.
- Hood Issues: The Saab 9-3 convertible (1998-2011) has issues with the hood, which can be damaged or ripped. It is important to check the operation of the roof to make sure it’s working, and working smoothly. They can be expensive to repair if they don’t go up and down as they should.
- Interior Heating Issues: The Saab 9-3 (1998-2011) has issues with the interior heating, particularly with the dial controls and knobs. These are known to easily crack off and split, but fortunately, they cost less than £10 each to repair.
- Strut Mounts: The Saab 9-3 (2002-2011) can have issues with the strut mounts, which can cause grinding noises and squeaks, particularly as you’re going round corners. If the car has more than 100K miles on the clock, it may still be worth buying and replacing all the suspension struts if the seller is willing to give you a good enough discount.
In summary, while Saab models are generally reliable, there are some common problems that owners have reported. These include coolant loss, ignition issues, oil leaks, sagging suspension, CV boot issues, bulkhead issues, cooler oil leaks, hood issues, interior heating issues, and strut mounts. If you’re considering purchasing a Saab, it’s important to be aware of these potential issues and to have any car inspected by a mechanic before buying it.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Saab models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Saab cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Saab models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Saab brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Saab models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Saab cars:
Distribution of Saab car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Saab related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Saab cars are the following:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Saab vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Saab models
A total of 105 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Saab models
There were a total of 96 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Saab models
There were a total of 120 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Saab models
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 2912 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Saab Saab. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Saab models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Saab models
Saab 9-3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FB79Y086
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Saab 9-2x 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: JF4GG61696H
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Saab 9-2X. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V002000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Saab 9-3 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3DD58H7Y2
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The driver's side, side air bag deployed spontaneously. There was no apparent reason or cause, ie no side impact of any kind, no door slamming or other provocation. The car was parked in a garage for six hours before I sat in the car, closed the door, then BLAM! Temperature was moderate, where as the car is often parked on a city street in direct sun. Air bag deployment was a loud bang followed by smoke from an explosive, and a sting on my neck and shoulder where the bag hit me. Bits of foam from the seat interior, where the air bag was located, blew around the car interior. I suffered temporary hearing loss in my left ear due to the loud bang. I was also quite startled. No other people were at risk. No other air bags have deployed since I've owned the car, approx. 20 yrs., purchased used. I will consult an authorized repair shop, insurance agent, and a dealer service center for more info. A Saab dealer service center told me a new replacement air bag would be available from Sweden at a cost of $700. That would be in addition to the cost of repairing the seat, door frame panel, and other items. There were no prior dash board or related fault code messages. The car has never been in an accident or impacted in any way to the best of my knowledge (I saw a Carfax report at purchase).
Saab 9-3 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-15
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FD45YX41
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in
Saab 900 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-02
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3DD58B5T2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger airbag deployed for no reason while driving car, no warning lights on dashboard, no impact, no precipitating event occured
Saab 9-5 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-29
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3ED58E313
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: With only 670 miles on a new set of tires, an inspection for a completely unrelated reason found that there was a bulge in 3 of the 4 NEW tires. Installed in Jun, issue found in Dec; car is driven very little. Tires were purchased from Tire Rack and installed by Discount Tire. Inspection by Discount tire found the 3 defective tires. They report bulges as "impact damage". I have had one other tire ever with impact damage in 180,000 miles on this 20+ year old car. On this set of tires, there were no incidents, such as hitting a curb or pothole. I have to believe that these tires have a manufacturing defect. For all I know, they had a sidewall bulge from day one. I am replacing all four tires. I have contacted Vredestein customer service, at both domestic and international email customer service contacts. They have not answered, even with an acknowledgement of receipt.
Saab 9-3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-17
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FC4BY2A1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated with a message indicating a fuel pump failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 104,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Saab 9-3 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-14
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3DF78K027
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.
Saab 9-3 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-03
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FB79N156
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Saab 9-5 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-13
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-13
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3ED49G573
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My vehicle was on recall for Takata air bags. My vehicle was then installed with a new set of Takata airbags. Are not these airbags just as unsafe? Have not there been cases of the same issues happening to these airbags? Is my 2017 front passenger Airbag going to explode like a grenade and kill me? These are all questions I have, but I am told these airbags are safe. Yet I have seen lawsuits where someone died in another vehicle make but with 2017 Takata airbags as the cause of death and or injury. Should not my car have been replaced with non Takata brand airbags? Are any Takata airbags safe when compared to other brands?
Saab 9-3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-18
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FB79Y786
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: at about 98,000 miles the starts to fail transmission fails Also when the car gets too cold in the winter it refuses to start and it is not a battery issue. the cylinders get to cold to start. When the warm weather comes back around it starts again.
Saab 9-3 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-16
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3DF78K027
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.
Saab 9-5 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-26
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-05
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3EH59G543
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 7/26/22 10:23pm on interstate 25 North of Denver mile 249 I was not able to stop and rear ended another vehicle. 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. My set belt pretensioner held me fast but the crown of my head went forward into the visor area I was dazed. I went by ambulance to MCR hospital in Loveland diagnosed with a concussion. I had other bruises from the seatbelt and hitting my left knee on the dash. The damage to my car begins at the driver’s side headlamp area and radiates across the font of the car to the headlights on the passenger side. The hood was folded back and there is significant damage to all the components in the front part of the engine compartment. I’ve tried to contact Saab cars but no response, they stopped building cars in 2011. I tried GM as well, no response.
Saab 9-3 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-04
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FH46Y041
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Constant random recurrence of error codes P2122 and P2138 (either together or on their own) which results in the car switching to low power mode, with very low acceleration which makes it very dangerous to merge into traffic, pull out of stops, red lights, etc. Technically supposed to require changing the throttle pedal sensor, but changing it does not solve the issue, which is electrical. This is a known issue for GM cars.
Saab 9-3 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-29
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: YS3FH49Y641
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Latest 5 Saab recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 172 recalls involving various Saab models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Saab 9-4x 2011
- Report Received Date: 2021-06-24
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
- Consequence: A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.
- Model: Saab 9-2x 2006
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-02
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- Model: Saab 9-2x 2006
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-02
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
- Model: Saab 9-2x 2005
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-02
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
- Model: Saab 9-2x 2005
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-02
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Are you having problems with your Saab?