2003 Saab 9-5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 25 of 47 complaints (53%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 65 in 2002 to 47 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–3,900 | 3,700–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–22 | 19–22 | 19–22 | 20–22 | 20–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–19 / 23–28 | 16–19 / 24–28 | 16–19 / 24–28 | 17–18 / 25–27 | 17–18 / 26–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–468 | 404–468 | 404–468 | 404–444 | 423–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 104 | 65 | 47 | 19 | 11 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
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 2003 Saab 9-5 have?
4 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 2003 Saab 9-5?
Electrical: 25 of 47 NHTSA complaints (53%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA rates it 19–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Saab 9-5?
EPA estimates $2,850–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | 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 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 19 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 4 | 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 (4)
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT · Campaign 08V160000 · Apr 9, 2008
Defect: SAAB IS RECALLING 57,389 MY 2002-2008 9-5 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING COMPLIANCE TESTING, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A-PILLAR TRIM WITH IMPROVED ENERGY-ABSORBING CAPABILITY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 07V087000 · Mar 8, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE · Campaign 06V410000 · Oct 27, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.
Consequence: OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2003. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007. NOTE: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 05V399).
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.