1999 Saab 9-5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 70 of 118 complaints (59%) mention it.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,300 | 2,950–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–22 | 19–21 | 19–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–19 / 23–28 | 16–18 / 22–27 | 16–19 / 23–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–468 | 423–468 | 404–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 118 | 119 | 104 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 3 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Saab 9-5 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Saab 9-5?
Electrical: 70 of 118 NHTSA complaints (59%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA rates it 19–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Saab 9-5?
EPA estimates $2,850–$3,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 19 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 70 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
WHEELS:HUB · Campaign 03V006000 · Feb 4, 2003
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF AN OWNER CHANGES THEIR WHEELS/TIRES BETWEEN SUMMER AND WINTER USING A STEEL WHEEL IN THE WINTER AND AN ALLOY WHEEL IN THE SUMMER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR RUST AND CONTAMINATION TO BUILD UP ON THE WHEEL HUB DURING THE STEEL WHEEL USAGE. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE CONTAMINATION IS NOT REMOVED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AFTER THE TIRE CHANGE SERVICE, SOME OF THIS CONTAMINATION COULD FLAKE OR GRIND AWAY RESULTING IN REDUCED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE WHEEL TO THE HUB. OVER SEVERAL SEASONS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS REDUCED FORCE COULD RESULT IN FRACTURES DEVELOPING IN THE WHEEL BOLTS DUE TO WHEEL TO HUB MOVEMENT.
Consequence: THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY MAIL AND ASKED WHETHER THEY CHANGE BETWEEN STEEL AND ALLOY WHEELS. IF THEY DO ENGAGE IN THIS PRACTICE, THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE WHEELS, CLEAN ANY CONTAMINATION FROM THE WHEEL AND WHEEL HUB, AND REPLACE THE WHEELS USING NEW IMPROVED BOLTS WITH ATTACHED WASHERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 98V139000 · Jun 30, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence: THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.