2011 Saab 9-5 problems
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Common 2011 Saab 9-5 problems
The Saab 9-5, produced between 1997 and 2010, is known for its high safety standards and robust body structure. However, it has faced several common problems, particularly with its electrical system, engine, transmission, suspension, and body.
- Electrical issues: The Saab 9-5 is known to have electrical problems, including issues with the ignition switch, dashboard lights, and power windows. Some owners have reported problems with the car's electrical system, which can result in issues such as a dead battery or problems with the alternator .
- Engine problems: Some Saab 9-5 owners have reported issues with the engine, including oil sludge buildup, which can cause engine damage and failure. Additionally, the engine may experience issues such as turbo failure, problems with the timing chain, and overheating. The 2.2-litre diesel engine, in particular, had a bad habit of developing terminal problems, usually associated with the engine management system or the turbocharger.
- Transmission problems: The Saab 9-5 may experience issues with the automatic transmission, including slipping gears, hard shifting, and problems with the torque converter .
- Suspension problems: The Saab 9-5 may experience issues with the suspension, including worn out shocks, struts, and bushings, which can cause excessive vibrations, noise, and a rough ride .
- Body and exterior issues: Saab 9-5s are known to have issues with rust, especially around the wheel arches, and the car's paint may fade or peel over time. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the car's headlights, which can be expensive to replace .
While these problems may not affect all Saab 9-5 models, it is essential to have a mechanic inspect the car before purchasing to identify any potential problems and to have a better understanding of the condition of the car
. It is also crucial to ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained and has undergone regular servicing to avoid any problems that may arise in the future
Is Saab 9-5 a good car?
Saab's 9-5 is a competent car with capable and secure handling. A major 2010 redesign produced a car that wasn't as well rounded as previous 9-5s. It handles fairly nimbly and has great fit and finish, but the 220-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is noisy and a little weak for the class.
What year of Saab is the most reliable?
The Saab 900 (1994-1998) is a mid-size luxury car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab. It is the fourth generation of the Saab 900 series. Known for its Scandinavian design, innovative features, and solid build quality, the Saab 900 (1994-1998) is considered one of the most reliable Saabs in its lineup.
How reliable is a Saab car?
The 9-3 is one of the most reliable and cost-efficient vehicles in the market. Some of its issues can be tedious to deal with, but most of them are preventable and repairable. If you're thinking of buying the Saab 9-3, keep in mind the importance of proper maintenance and repair.
Which is better Saab 9-3 or 9-5?
When we compare the Saab 9-3's and the Saab 9-5's specifications and ratings, the Saab 9-3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Saab 9-5 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power.
2011 Saab 9-5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saab 9-5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Saab 9-5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Saab 9-5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Saab 9-5.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-17
- VIN: YS3GN4AR1B4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: PREMATURE WEAR (BURN-OUT) OF THE HALOGEN-STYLE LIGHT BULBS IN EACH OF THE REAR TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHTS (THE HALOGEN LIGHTS SERVE AS BOTH A TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT). THE HALOGEN LIGHTS APPEAR TO BURN OUT EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. THE BULBS ARE CREATING EXCESSIVE HEAT WITHIN THE LIGHT HOUSING AND MELTING/FUSING TO THE PLASTIC HOUSING. I BELIEVE THIS IS POTENTIALLY A FIRE RISK. THERE IS PREMATURE RUST FORMING ON THE TRUNK LID ASWELL.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-03
- VIN: YS3GN4AR9B4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY 2011 SAAB 9-5 IS CURRENTLY IN THE SAAB REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKE PEDAL REPLACED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS PROPER POSITION AND WAS LOCKING THE BRAKES ON AND ALSO LOCKING THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON. IT FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS HOLDING IT BACK. IN MY CASE I RUINED THE BRAKE ROTORS AND DISCS AS THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED. THIS COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE AND MADE THE CAR HARD TO HANDLE AND OF COURSE REDUCED THE PROPER BRAKING ABILITY. GM SHOULD PUT OUT AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL CASES LIKE MINE. IT TOOK A LONG TIME FOR ME TO BE AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. MOSTLY IN HOT AND HUMID WEATHER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE FIXED RIGHT AWAY. GM SAFETY RECALL NEEDED NOW! CONTACT SAAB IM AUTOHAUS, 551 N WASHINGTON ST, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046, AT (703) 534-0770, FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-23
- VIN: YS3GN4AR2B4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-01
- VIN: YS3GN4AR7B4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SINCE 35,000 MILES, I AM CONSTANTLY GETTING NOTIFICATION ERRORS TO A REPLACE REAR TURN SIGNAL WITH EACH USAGE OF IT. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE SIGNAL BLINKING IS OVERAGGRESSIVE, ANNOUNCING ITS MALFUNCTION TO MY FELLOW ROAD COMPANIONS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES WHO THEN POLITELY TELL ME MULTIPLE TIME A DAY THAT MY TURN SIGNAL IS ABOUT TO GO OUT. ALTHOUGH I APPRECIATE THIS, I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB MULTIPLE TIMES TO RULE OUT FAULTY BULBS. WITHIN A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE ISSUE STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN. THE TURN SIGNAL BLINKS AT 160+ CLICKS PER MINUTE VERSUS THE ACCEPTED 80 CPM. THE BLUB AND SOCKET ARE MELTING TOGETHER. I HAVE LOOKED AT FORUMS AND MANY ARE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, CONSIDERING USING TURN SIGNALS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR MANEUVERS WE MAKE IN OUR VEHICLES AND TO KEEP OURSELVES, AND OTHERS, ESPECIALLY OUR PASSENGERS, OUR LOVED ONES SAFE ON THE ROAD, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-28
- VIN: YS3GN4AR9B4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ABOUT ONCE A MONTH SINCE ABOUT 10,000 MILES I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ONE OF THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET ASSEMBLIES BECAUSE THE PLASTIC INSERT THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULB IS MELTING. WHEN IT HEATS AND MELTS, ITS SHAPE SLIGHTLY DISTORTS DISCONNECTING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LIGHT BULB AND THE LIGHT BULB HOLDER. THANK GOODNESS THERE ARE REPLACEMENT PARTS ON EBAY BUT HAVING TO SPEND AN EXTRA 20 BUCKS EVERY OTHER MONTH SEEMS RIDICULOUS AND CERTAINLY SOMETHING WORTHY TO LOOK INTO AS A RECALL.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-03
- VIN: YS3GN4AR4B4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS OVERHEAT, CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND WIRING TO MELT. WE HAVE HAD THE BULBS AND SOCKETS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES ON BOTH SIDES SINCE 2013, BUT THE ONLY THING THAT FIXES THE PROBLEM IS REPLACING THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. JUST HAD THE SOCKET AND BULB FOR PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED TWICE IN ONE MONTH, AND IT IS GONE AGAIN.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-03
- VIN: YS3GN4MR9B4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT COMPLETELY RELEASE. NOTICED BY EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKE PADS/ROTORS, VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AND POOR GAS MILEAGE.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-15
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HAVE A 2011 9-5 AERO AND JUST HIT 58K. VERY RECENTLY I'VE BEEN NOTICING THE POPPING/THUDDING WHEN DRIVING AWAY QUICKLY WITH THE WHEEL TURNED, EX: WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN AND TURNING LEFT/RIGHT. I ALSO CAN FORCE THE CAR TO EXHIBIT THE BINDING/GRINDING DEEP NOISE WHEN IN FIRST WITH THE WHEEL TURNED ALMOST AT LOCK EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT WITH VERY LITTLE THROTTLE DEPRESSION. READING ANY SAAB FORUM I COULD, AND SPEAKING TO DEALERS AND READING SERVICE BULLETINS IN RELATION TO THIS CAR, ALL OTHER SAAB VEHICLES WITH THE HALED 4.0 SYSTEM WHICH DEBUTED ON THE SAAB 9-3 TURBOX, IT IS VERY EVIDENT THIS IS NOT A SMALL AMOUNT OF AFFECTED VEHICLES. FROM WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, EVERY OWNER OF A SAAB THAT HAD THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM PROVIDED BY HALDEX HAS THESE CATASTROPHIC FAILURES OF THE SYSTEM CAUSING THE INABILITY TO DRIVE ONCE THE SYSTEM SHUTS ITSELF OFF, OR LOCKS WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY LEAVE OWNERS STRANDED OR CAUSE THE PROP-SHAFT TO BIND, THEN LOCK AT SPEED AND CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS TO BIND AND HOP AND LOCK CAUSING A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. THE DEALERS HAVE ADMITTED TO THE SYSTEM HAVING DESIGN FLAWS AND UPDATED PARTS AND REDESIGNED COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN RELEASED MULTIPLE TIMES. IF THIS IS AN ADMITTED DESIGN FLAW AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL AS DEALERS ARE CHARGING THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX ISSUES THAT ARE IMMINENT AND NOT AT THE FAULT OF THE OWNERS. QUOTES TO FIX THIS ISSUE RANGE FROM $3-7,000 AND THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND COVERED FOR REPAIRS FOR THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. A SIMPLE SEARCH ON XWD ISSUES ON GOOGLE CAN BRING UP DOZENS OF FORUM LINKS WITH LARGE COUNTS OF PAGE NUMBERS FOR EACH OF COMPLAINING OWNERS LISTING THEIR ISSUES AND DISCREPANCIES AND PRICES TO FIX THIS BOGUS ISSUE CAUSED BY A FLAWED DESIGN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-09
- VIN: YS3GN4AR1B4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK REAR TAILLIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH TAIL LIGHT BULB SOCKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Negative 2011 Saab 9-5 car reviews
Positive 2011 Saab 9-5 car reviews
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Hi there! I'm the original owner of a 2011 9-5 and I've had many Saabs over the years, including both 9-5s and 9-3s. Out of all the models I've owned, this one is definitely my favorite! That being said, I have to admit that it can be quite expensive to maintain. In fact, over the last three years, I've spent over $30k on regular maintenance and repairs.
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your 9-5 Aero! It's great to know that you've been able to enjoy 30000 miles without any issues. It's a shame that the company went out of business, but it's fantastic that you were able to purchase your car at such a great price.
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I purchased this vehicle in December 2012 with only 4K miles on it. Although it shares GM/Buick La Crosse parts, it has a unique heritage that I appreciate. However, there were a few things that I would rather not have dealt with, such as the Infotainment system. Thankfully, I opted for the extended warranty (Fidelity) and it has come in handy. The Infotainment system would often reset to default settings, which was frustrating, but not a major issue. The memory seat settings are also unreliable, but since I don't drive this vehicle often, it's not a big deal. Unfortunately, the windshield picked up a golfball-sized rock chip, which is expensive to replace due to the reflective region over the HUD. Despite this, the car still turns heads at the gas station. The transmission, a six-speed Lexus auto, has some occasional pauses, but it hasn't caused any errors and hasn't gotten worse. The sunroof shade had some issues closing, but it's not a big enough problem to warrant the extensive repairs needed to fix it. Overall, I still enjoy driving this car and appreciate its unique features.All in all, it sounds like you've had a great experience with your car! It's been reliable and enjoyable for you, and it feels safe to drive. Even with 100K miles, it still holds its value well and could be worth a solid 12-15K in today's market. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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You have a very reliable car, although the gas mileage could be improved.
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If you're considering this car, you may be interested to know that it's one of the best cars Saab produced in its last 30 years. Although few were produced and even fewer were exported to the US, it's a car that true Saab-philes will appreciate. It's important to note that there are very limited parts available and no dealers left, so it may not be the best choice for a first-time Saab owner. However, for a Saab devotee, it's a fantastic choice!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Saab 9-5 problems:
The Most Common Issue on the Saab 9-5 - YouTube
Sep 5, 2020 ... ... All of the Leaks! Auto Autopsy•22K views · 21:06. Go to channel · Saab 9-3 Common Problems (2003-2011). Neptvne•86K views · 10:21. Go to channel ...
2010-2011 9-5 aero | SaabCentral Forums
Apr 24, 2015 ... Did they have sunroofs in 2010? Do these vehicles have major problems? What are the concerns I need to check for involving these vehicle? I have ...
Things to consider when buying a SAAB 9-5 New Generation ...
Dec 23, 2018 ... This Saab has a VERY serious GM problem! ... The 2011 Saab 9-5 Was the End of Saab. Doug ... 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero Turbo6 XWD Start Up, Engine, and In ...
Will a 2011 9-5 be a money pit? : r/saab
Oct 9, 2019 ... I found a 2011 SAAB 9-5 ... All wheel drive issues: apparently the maintenance/fluid schedule needs to be kept very stringent. ... problems. I ...
2010-2011 Saab 9-5 NG: service, repair, parts and reliability
Sep 25, 2012 ... experience with repairing and servicing yourself; reliability of your Saab 9-5. Feel free to add any additional information you think is ...
Other years of Saab 9-5
Are you having problems with your 2011 Saab 9-5?
Marlon Hickle 2024-08-20
As a Saab owner of 4 cars since 1982, I was eagerly anticipating the release of this car for 10 years. I had the opportunity to test drive 3 premium models and 2 Aeros, and while I appreciated the quickness of the 2 liter 4 cylinder engine, I was disappointed to find that the Buick Lacrosse seat did not live up to the high standards of previous Saab models. Despite my best efforts, I could not find a comfortable position to alleviate the lumbar pain I experienced during my 2 hours in the car. Additionally, the fan and instrument controls were difficult to see while driving, and the rear view was not ideal. The trunk opening, typical of GM cars, had a large lip in the back that made it challenging to load bags. Although I was disappointed with my experience, I remain hopeful that Saab will address these issues in future models. When these issues are resolved, I would be happy to purchase one. Unfortunately, the dealer was not willing to work with me on these concerns, and I was forced to put my check back in my pocket.