2011 Saab 9-4x problems

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The Saab 9-4X is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that was introduced at the 2010 LA Auto Show. It is based on the all-wheel-drive GM Theta Premium platform, which also forms the basis for the Cadillac SRX. Production of the 9-4X began in 2011, at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico, but halted before the end of that year as a result of the bankruptcy of Saab, leaving a total of 814 assembled.

Design

The 9-4X took shape once the Saab 9-6X project was canceled, after the divestment by General Motors of its holding in Subaru. The 9-4X replaced the larger Chevrolet TrailBlazer–based Saab 9-7X built in the U.S. that was discontinued in December 2008. The concept of the 9-4X made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The production car is almost identical to the concept of 2008 on the exterior and similar to the second generation Saab 9-5 on the inside. The mechanical parts such as the engine, transmission, and other mechanical systems are all GM with exterior trim and lighting specific to the 9-4X.

As such, a review noted specific Saab identity and "charm" as well as its flaws that included excess weight and lackluster fuel economy, but "it is easily as compelling as the Cadillac SRX on which it is based." The car began selling as a 2011 model year in June in the United States and in August elsewhere. A 2012 Aero version was reviewed by Road & Track in April 2011.

2011 Saab 9-4x

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Common 2011 Saab 9-4x problems

The 2011 Saab 9-4X has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the issues is related to the rear hatch, which can experience problems with the support strut on the right side

. This issue can cause the hatch to stop and go when attempting to open it, or it may not stay open when manually opened. Replacing the strut can fix this problem, but if the motor is not the issue, a used strut may be a more cost-effective solution.

Another issue reported is related to the rear suspension toe link adjuster, which may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing, leading to a loose toe link. This problem can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. General Motors has issued a recall for certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles to replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge.

Some owners have also reported issues with the radio and control panel in the 9-4X and 9-5 models, with buttons wearing off and becoming unusable

. Replacing the control panel can fix this problem, but it is a common issue in these models.

Lastly, there have been reports of the 9-4X having issues with the panoramic sunroof, which may not open all the way back or may have difficulty closing properly

. This issue can be caused by a buildup of grime and grit in the cylinder, which can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the affected parts.

Overall, while the 2011 Saab 9-4X has some common problems, many of them can be fixed with relatively simple repairs or replacements. However, it is important for owners to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

2011 Saab 9-4x engine

What are common faults with Saab?

Here are some of the most widely reported problems for the Saab 9-3.

  • ABS or Traction Control Light Illuminate Due to Corroded Wiring. ...
  • Engine Coolant Loss. ...
  • Loud Noises When Driving on Rough Road. ...
  • Engine Dies While Driving. ...
  • Excessive Exhaust Noise.

How many Saab 9-4X were built?

According to information at the Saab Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden, 814 9-4X units were produced. However, an unofficial Saab 9-4X production report noted that 673 production 9-4X units along with approximately 130 test units were built, for a grand total of 803 9-4X units.

How reliable are Saab cars?

With proper care and maintenance, this car could last for several more years. In conclusion, Saab may no longer be in production, but the Saab 9-3 Cabriolet is still a reliable and stylish option for those who want to drive a Saab.

Is A Saab 9.3 A Good car?

Saab 9.3 Vector Sport TiD. No longer in production does not impact the reliability and value for money which a later model Saab provides. It delivers a high level of comfort, reliability and performance for a car that is now nearly eight years old.

2011 Saab 9-4x car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saab 9-4x problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Suspension problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Power train problems
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Saab 9-4x vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Saab 9-4x complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Saab 9-4x.

2021-10-06

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-08-01
  • VIN: 3G0FNREY6BS
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Saab 9-4X. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the "Check Rear Axle" warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall and informed the contact after speaking with the manufacturer that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
2017-04-19

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-09
  • VIN: 3GOFNSEY2BS
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIRBAG SENSOR IS ON INTERMITTANT . IF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS EMPTY, BACK SEAT SIDE RAIL AIRBAG WILL NOT INFLATE. NEEDS SOFTWARE UPGRADE. (JUST LIKE 2011 CADILLAC SRX). WHILE MOTOR ON.
2016-09-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-09-27
  • VIN: 3G0FNUE6XBS
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SAAB 9-4X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V595000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
2014-07-23

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-07-23
  • VIN: 3G0FNSEY3BS
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANY RECALLS. YOUR WEBSITE DOES NOT LIST THE CAR. *TR

2011 Saab 9-4x recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2011 Saab 9-4x.

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.
2014-09-19
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured April 14, 2009, to September 1, 2014, and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to September 13, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds. A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
  • Consequence: Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge. The The recall began November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14457.

Positive 2011 Saab 9-4x car reviews

  1. Ben Jaskolski 2024-03-09

    Hi there! I noticed you mentioned 'Super Car'. That sounds really cool! Is there anything specific you'd like to know about it?

  2. Jace Schulist 2024-01-13

    I've owned my 9-4X for a year now and it's one of the best vehicles I've ever had. Although it can be a bit slow at times, it handles well and gets you where you need to go without any problems. It has great features and decent gas mileage. If you're looking for peace of mind, I would recommend getting a reliable extended service contract through a Saab dealer (Hendrick AutoGaurd works well for me).

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Saab 9-4x problems:

2011 Saab 9-4X - Wulf - Michigan, USA
2011 Saab 9-4X - Wulf - Michigan, USA
https://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=31571

Feb 16, 2012 ... I purchased this Saab 9-4X 3.0i Premium FWD on 13 September 2011 so that was about 2 1/2 months and 4,200 miles / 6.800 kilometers ago at the ...

For those worried about 94x parts | SaabCentral Forums
For those worried about 94x parts | SaabCentral Forums
https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/for-those-worried-about-94x-parts.241165/

Oct 2, 2012 ... Personally, I've ordered a few 9-4X trim pieces from Saab of Memphis without any issue. Having owned our 9-4X since Aug 31, 2011, we have no ...

New 9-4X Owner, Few Questions
New 9-4X Owner, Few Questions
https://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=29992

Mar 31, 2014 ... Saab 9-4X (2011-2012) · PetrolHead said: 31 ... You'll find some info here -- my four major problems with 9-4x bought new with about 70K miles now ...

Turbo6 Timing Chain Problems? | SaabCentral Forums
Turbo6 Timing Chain Problems? | SaabCentral Forums
https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/turbo6-timing-chain-problems.742754/

Dec 8, 2021 ... 2011 9-5 Turbo6 XWD. Save Share. Like ... common experience on the 2.8. ... 2890753 by SAAB | Timing Set Kit [CLOYES 9-0753S] 2.8T V6 (2007.5 and up) ...

Saab 9-4X Tail Light problems
Saab 9-4X Tail Light problems
https://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=29577

Dec 21, 2013 ... Hi I have a 2011 94-X. I have a few issues with it I was wondering if any of you may have had. The LED lights on the top of the tail lights ...

Other years of Saab 9-4x

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9-4x 2011
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