Saab 95 problems
The Saab 95 is a seven-seater, two-door station wagon which was produced by Saab from 1959 to 1978.
Initially it was based on the Saab 93 sedan, but the model's development throughout the years followed closely that of the Saab 96 after the 93 was taken off the market in 1960. It was introduced in 1959, but because only 40 were made in 1959, production is often said to have started in 1960.
The first engine was an 841 cc three-cylinder two-stroke, but from 1967 onward, it became available with the same four-stroke Ford Taunus V4 engine as used in the Saab 96, the Saab Sonett V4 and Sonett III, and the German Ford Taunus. It had a four-speed manual transmission. There was a small handle on the firewall that, when pushed, put the car into a "freewheeling" mode. This allowed the driver to coast downhill without seizing the two-stroke engine, but when power was needed the transmission would engage and the driver could power the car up hill again. As the 95 received the four-speed gearbox before the 96 (that still had the old three-speed unit) it was also used for rallying.
In the US, the Saab 95 received the larger 1.7 litre V4 for the 1971 model year, as a response to tighter emissions regulations. The compression ratio was lowered to 8.0:1, meaning that the power remained at 73 hp (54 kW). The Saab 95/96 remained on sale in the United States until 1973.
A rear-facing folding seat was dropped with the 1976 model year, making the car a regular five-seater. Production ended in 1978 (when only 470 examples were built). A total of 110,527 were made.
For certain markets (Norway, Denmark) a special export version sedan delivery van was available without a rear seat and rear side windows.
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Common Saab 95 problems
Saab 95 cars are known for their unique design, performance, and safety features. However, like any car, they are not without their common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with Saab 95 cars, based on complaints from owners:
- Coolant loss: Coolant loss is a common problem in many Saab models, including the 9-3, 9-5, and 900. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including leaks in the cooling system, faulty head gaskets, or issues with the radiator. In some cases, coolant loss can lead to overheating and engine damage, so it's important to address this issue promptly.
- Ignition issues: Ignition problems are also common in Saab cars, particularly in the 9-3 and 9-5 models. These issues can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or ignition modules. Symptoms of ignition problems can include difficulty starting the car, rough idling, and misfiring.
- Oil leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem in many Saab models, including the 9-5 and 900. These leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn out gaskets, damaged seals, or issues with the oil pump. In some cases, oil leaks can lead to engine damage or reduced performance, so it's important to address this issue promptly.
- Sagging suspension: The Saab 9-7X is known for its sagging rear suspension, which can cause the back of the car to be too low to the ground. This issue can be caused by worn out suspension sensors, which may need to be recalibrated to fix the problem.
- Turbo issues: The 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Saab 9-5 can suffer from turbo issues, which can cause black smoke from the exhaust and sluggish accelerator response. These issues can be expensive to fix, with replacement of the turbo costing over £1000.
- Suspension issues: Suspension issues are not uncommon in Saab 9-5 cars, and can be caused by cracked springs or worn out suspension components. These issues can cause a sharp banging noise as the car drives over bumps, and can lead to premature wear and tear on the brakes.
- Electrical gremlins: The Saab 9-5 is known for throwing electrical gremlins, particularly in higher-spec cars. It's important to check all buttons and switches to ensure they work properly, as early models of the 9-5 developed a reputation for unreliability due to issues with the engine management system or turbocharger.
- Power steering fluid leaks: Leaking power steering fluid is a common problem in many Saab models, including the 9-5. This issue can be caused by worn out seals or damaged hoses, and can lead to reduced performance or difficulty steering.
- Timing chain issues: Timing chain issues are also common in Saab cars, particularly in the 9-5. These issues can be caused by worn out chains or tensioners, and can lead to engine damage or reduced performance.
- Dual mass flywheel issues: Dual mass flywheel issues are a common problem in the 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Saab 9-5. These issues can be expensive to fix, with replacement costing over £1000.
It's important to note that not all Saab 95 cars will experience these issues, and many owners report having positive experiences with their vehicles. However, if you're considering purchasing a Saab 95, it's important to be aware of these common problems and to budget accordingly for potential repairs and maintenance.
How reliable is the Saab 9 5?
Poor reliability, a nearly non-existent support network, bloated styling, terrible on-road performance, and no resale value all combine to give you the full Saab 9-5 experience. You would be better off putting your money in a bag and setting fire to it than buying a second-hand Saab.
Is a Saab 95 good?
Great Value Used estate. The Saab 95 2.2 TiD is a great value used estate car, these things go really cheap since the demise of Saab. This model does around 35-40 mpg for town use and up to 48 mpg on runs. Servicing is reasonable as well with the parts being readily available, even though the company no longer existing ...
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.
Are Saab engines reliable?
On the road, they perform solidly and don't seem to have too many reported issues from top consumer reports. One of the main issues that Saab drivers have mentioned is that its parts can be challenging to acquire. So, in short, yes, they are reliable, but they are not without issues.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Saab 95 years
We have researched Saab problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Saab 95 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Saab 95 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Saab 95 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Saab 95 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Saab 95 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Saab 95 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Saab 95 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 95 model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 95 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 95 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Saab 95 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Saab 95 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-03
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-08
- VIN: YS3ED48E1Y3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TURBO MALFUNCTION AT A COST OF $455.00 AND ALSO ENGINE FILTER BOX.VEHICLE STILL NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY.WILL ONLY GO AT SPEED OF 25 MPH.REPAIRED ON 03/27/2018.STARTED OUT SMOKING ALL OVER THE PLACE FROM EXHAUST.WAS TOLD TURBO WENT BAD.I THINK A LOT OF THESE CARS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS I READ ON FORUMS(SAAB,).THAT I HAVE SINCE JOINED.THE SAAB HAS 139,000 MILES..I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT SPEED AROUND 35MPH.STARTED TO SMOKE HEAVY,BUT ONCE OUT OF CITY AS LONG AS I DROVE 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY SMOKE WAS DISPERSED FROM WIND AND MADE IT HOME BUT WHEN STOPPING FOR RED LIGHT WOULD BUCK AND TRY TO SHUT OFF.SMOKE NOT GOOD FOR ENVIRONMENT......
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-02
- Date Complaint: 2010-07-05
- VIN: YS3EH45G4Y3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2000 SAAB 95 AUTOMOBILE HAS POOR PERFORMANCE AND LOSS OF POWER. SAAB DEALER REPLACED DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC) IN 2006 UNDER RECALL AND THE PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED AGAIN. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE A SECOND DIC. THIS IS BOTH EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS FOR HIGHWAY OPERATION. THE PART HAS PROBLEMS. *TR
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2007-11-08
- VIN: YS3EF48Z8Y3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 95. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. AN HOUR LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION: MODULE FAILED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V39900 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,215.
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-29
- VIN: YS3ED58E013
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 95. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,980. UPDATED 11/15/07 *TR
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2007-08-30
- VIN: YS3ED45E7Y3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. ON APRIL 20,2006, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED DUE TO NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). ON JULY 10, 2007, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND DISPLAYED A READING OF P1312. SAAB STATED THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER ANY WARRANTY ON THE IDM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,458 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. THE DEALER STATED BROKEN WINDOW. UPDATED 09/19/07 *TR
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2007-03-15
- VIN: YS3EF48Z413
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I OWN A SAAB 2001 95 4DR SEDAN WITH 58K MILES AND THE CAR JUST SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING OR DOESN'T START UP INITIALLY. MY WIFE WAS IN TRAFFIC WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. A LOCAL REPAIR SERVICE INDICATED A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED WE GET IN CONTACT WITH SAAB MOTOR CO. *JB
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2007-03-14
- VIN: YS3EF58Z9Y3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 95SE WAGON. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS NOT OPERATING NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE PASSENGE'S SIDE DEFROSTER WAS WORKING. THE WINDSHIELD WILL NOT DEFROST DURING COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER STATED REPLACING THE BOX INSIDE THE DASHBOARD WOULD CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 93800. *AK
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-25
- Date Complaint: 2007-01-31
- VIN: YS3EF58Z9Y3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 2000 9 5 SAAB. THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND LOST POWER AS SHE WAS TURNING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE BARELY HAD ANY POWER. THE VEHICLE DID NOT LOSE POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. THE CONTACT STATED IT TOOK THE MECHANIC THREE ATTEMPTS BEFORE THEY COULD DUPLICATE WHAT HAD HAPPENED . THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE OVERHEATING. THEREWAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE SAME YEAR/MAKE AND MODEL. VE HOWEVER, WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED SAAB SHE WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *AK UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-11
- Date Complaint: 2006-11-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO AWAIT REPAIR OF THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-28
- Date Complaint: 2006-04-06
- VIN: YS3EF58Z413
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THE SAAB SPECIFY TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE, MY 2001 SAAB 95SE WAGON WITH 66,363 MILES HAS DEVELOPED THE BELOW PROBLEM. APPROXIMATELY A MILE TO A MILE AND HALF AFTER DRIVING 20-40 MPH, THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING FINE. TURNED THE IGNITION OFF FOR 10 MINUTES, RESTARTED THE CAR, MOVED ABOUT 100-200 FEET, THE SAME SYMPTOM HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN INDY AND THEN TO A DEALER. INDY FOUND CODE P0730 BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SAME. DEALER CHARGED OVER $100 AND SAID THE CAR WAS FINE AFTER ALLEGEDLY TEST DRIVE "10 MILES". WE PICKED THE CAR. AFTER A MILE OF SLOW DRIVING, THE SAME SYMPTOM DEVELOPED. WITHOUT FINDING OUT WHAT'S THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM NOR HAD THEY OPENED THE TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER CONCLUDED THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SAAB USA WAS INFORMED AND IT WAS SAAB USA DIRECTED ME TO THE DEALER. NOW THEY WANT TO CLOSE THE CASE, WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-22
- Date Complaint: 2006-01-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3EF48Z213
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I OWN A 2001 SAAB 95 SE V6. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE NJ TPK AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND HAD A SMALL ELECTRICAL LIKE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED FROM THE NJ TURNPIKE OFF AND THEN AGAIN TO MY PLACE IN BENSALEM PA. TOTAL COST $77 + 66. FOUND OUT THAT THE DI CASSETTE BURNED OUT, COST ME APPROX $600 TO FIX. A DAY LATER THE CAT CONVERTER FAILS (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN). THIS IS CERTAINLY DUE TO DI CASSETTE BURNING OUT. VERY FRUSTRATING FOR A CAR WITH ONLY 60K MILES ON IT. *NM
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2005-11-03
- VIN: YS3ED58E0Y3
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ANOTHER VOICE: COMMON SUDDEN FAILURE OF SAAB ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY CAUSING IMMEDIATE STALL AT SPEED, IN TRAFFIC. NO CRASH. UNDRIVEABLE "LIMP HOME" MODE. NECESSITATED LONG TOW AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS ITEM CITED FREQUENTLY ON SAAB-RELATED WEBSITES, BUT GOT ME TODAY! NOTE THAT CURRENT RECALL IS FOR A DIFFERENT PART, EQUALLY SAFETY-RELATED. *NM
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2005-10-26
- VIN: YS3ED48E113
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 95. WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE AND REPAIR. THE INVOICE STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED LUGS: BOLTS. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THIS RECALL. *AK *JB
Saab 95 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-18
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3ED48E1Y3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE ON 4-18-05 WAS DRIVING 2000 SAAB. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN SHE MOVED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO UPPER LEFT ARM AND THE BACK OF HEAD. SHE DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR SEE A DOCTOR. SHE OCCASIONALLY HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH LEFT ARM AND THE BACK OF HEAD. THEY TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE A CLUSTER OF WIRES UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. WHEN THE SEAT WAS MOVED BACK A WIRE WAS CHAFED AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM , RESULTING IN AIR BAG TO DEPLOYMENT. THE SERVICE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ON OR 4-25-05. THE CONTACT CALLED SAAB IN ATLANTA, GAEORGIA, AND SAAB PAID FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. *AK
Saab 95 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-09
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-03
- VIN: YS3ED58E213
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT:THE OWNER HAD PROBLEMS WITH SAAB BEGINNING IN JUNE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CAR SHUT DOWN. THE CAR HAD NO ELECTRICAL POWER OR POWER STEERING. THE OWNER GOT OFF THE MAIN ROAD AND GOT ONTO SHOULDER. THE OWNER'S CAR ENDED UP AT SAAB PACIFIC, THE OWNER FOUND OUT THAT HER FRIEND HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT PARTS FAILED ON EVERY 1995 SAAB. MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT IT BUT WERE NOT DOING ANYTHING RIGHT NOW. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FAILED PART WAS AN IGNITION DISCHARGE PROBLEM. THE PART WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS ANOTHER ELECTRIC SYSTEM PROBLEM IN JULY. WHILE DRIVING WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND MIRRORS FAILED THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OWNER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE DICE CASSETTE. THE DEALERSHIP SPENT 3 DAYS FINDING A DICE CASSETTE, AND OWNER DECIDED NOT TO REPLACE THE DICE CASSETTE. THE OWNER WENT BACK TO MECHANIC WHO REPLACED A RELAY FUSE. THIS CORRECTED THE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REGULARLY SERVICED AND THE RECORDS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK
Latest negative Saab 95 car reviews
Latest positive Saab 95 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2001
It's great to hear that you find it fun to drive and own!
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Vehicle year: 2000
I absolutely fell in love with my mom's Saab 9-3 when she bought it! Later, she decided to upgrade to a Saab 9-5 ARC, which left me in shock once again. I knew then that my first car had to be a Saab 9-5SE. I had a trouble-free ride with this car until my friend hit a cement wall at 73 MPH. Despite the car being crushed on the outside, the cockpit remained untouched. I was lucky to walk away with only a scratch, which was caused by me putting my hand up in front of the airbag. I've tried other car brands such as Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes, but there's just something about a Saab that I can't resist. Once you fall in love with it, you won't go back to any other make! If you're looking for a safe and sporty car, look no further than a Saab.
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Vehicle year: 2001
This Aero 5 speed can run with the best of them. It can easily get 30 mpg on road trips. It's different from the run-of-the-mill sport sedan. The safety features are excellent, as good as they get.
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Vehicle year: 2000
I bought this car on eBay with 101,000 miles and it has been a great investment for my sales job, as I drive almost 200 miles per day. Since owning the car, I have replaced the DIC, serpentine belt, and battery, and have completed routine maintenance when necessary, such as getting new tires, spark plugs, and brakes. This car has been the best one I've had for all the driving I do, which is saying a lot considering I've owned BMWs, Jaguars, and Audis that cost me a fortune in frequent repairs.
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Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased this car after a 20-minute test drive. Our previous car, a one-year-old Ford Explorer, was a lemon and needed to be replaced quickly. The dealership offered us a fantastic deal, and I now believe in karma! This car has been amazing for the past two years, with no issues whatsoever. My wife commutes 100 miles each way to work and finds the driving experience to be as comfortable as being in her own living room. I am so impressed with this car that I am planning to buy another one for myself!
Are you having problems with your Saab 95?
Jamel Vandervort 2025-08-14
Vehicle year: 2002
Saabs are great cars as long as you maintain them properly! One of the two things that may let you down is the ignition coil, which needs to be replaced every 7-9 years of normal driving. The other thing is the water pump, which should be replaced every 10 years, or it may break and jam the timing belt, causing your engine to stop. After 8-10 years, you may notice a small oil leakage, but don't worry, it's just the head gasket. However, you must fix it as soon as possible because the oil may catch fire! It's worth noting that Saabs perform better in cold weather than in Middle Eastern countries!
Justen Aufderhar 2025-08-14
Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased my Saab 2001 used with 20k miles in 2004, and it has been a reliable dog mobile and triathlon equipment car. Although I have a love/hate relationship with the Turbo, I have had to replace it once, along with the battery, brakes, cup holder, lights (frequently), electric panel, and A/C. I have spent over $10k in repairs, but I still appreciate the car's nice interior. Unfortunately, the ignition is in a terrible place, and the car has turned off when a larger person passenger accidentally bumped the ignition. After reading other reviews, I realized that this is typical of this model. Although I had hoped to drive it forever, I don't think it will last that long. I have decided not to buy a performance vehicle again.
Shaun Kuhn 2025-08-14
Vehicle year: 2001
The vehicle has a number of issues, including a bad wheel bearing, faulty ignition modules, poor brakes, erratic heater, failing guide pulleys to timing belt, and possible symptoms of a failing turbo. Additionally, the vehicle is known to consume tires due to its weight. However, these issues can be resolved with confidence by a skilled mechanic.
Gilberto Connelly 2025-07-25
Vehicle year: 2000
I am the second owner of this vehicle and have always had it regularly serviced. Although I love this car, it has been quite a challenge to maintain. When it runs, it runs well, but when it doesn't, it can really leave you stuck! I have tow truck drivers on speed-dial, no joke. It all started with the timing belt and unfortunately went downhill from there. The oil sludge blew the engine, and I had to replace the ABS modulator which was causing issues with the braking system. I have also had to replace 2 alternators, the computer systems, crank sensor, alarm system, and LED display, to name a few. As a result, my dashboard is a constant display of warning lights, and the costs of my repairs have been well over $6200, which is more than what the car is worth now. Despite all of this, I still have a soft spot for this car, but it has definitely been a financial burden.
Alberto Maggio 2025-07-18
Vehicle year: 2002
Although I initially enjoyed my Saab, it has unfortunately been plagued with numerous issues, including problems with the turbo, alternator, and multiple sensors. The passenger turning signal assembly even flew off the car while I was driving on the highway last week. As a result, I can confidently say that this is the worst car I have ever purchased and I will not be buying another Saab in the future.