2004 Saab 9-5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 13 of 19 complaints (68%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 47 in 2003 to 19 in 2004.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | vs. 2004 Midsize Station Wagons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–3,900 | 3,700–3,900 | 3,500–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–22 | 19–22 | 20–22 | 20–21 | 20–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–19 / 24–28 | 16–19 / 24–28 | 17–18 / 25–27 | 17–18 / 26–28 | 16–18 / 26–27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–468 | 404–468 | 404–444 | 423–444 | 404–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 65 | 47 | 19 | 11 | 23 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 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 2004 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 2004 Saab 9-5?
Electrical: 13 of 19 NHTSA complaints (68%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA rates it 20–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Saab 9-5?
EPA estimates $2,850–$3,900 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 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 | 444 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 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)
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.