2004 Saab 9-5 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
31,821 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2004 model year. Data snapshot: . 17 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 19 complaints (42.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 5 | 26.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 26.3% |
| Braking behavior | 4 | 21.1% |
| Steering behavior | 4 | 21.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 10.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Module | 2 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 2 |
| Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Electrical System: 8; Electrical System:Ignition:Module: 2; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 2; Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk: 2; Engine: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Tires: 2; Air Bags: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2004: 1; 2005: 3; 2006: 3; 2008: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 4; 2022: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10112654 · 2005-03-07 (March 7, 2005)
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2004 SAAB 9-5 ON THE HIGHWAY, AT OVER 60 MPH, THE IGNITION HAS BEEN ACCIDENTALLY TURNED OFF. THIS CAUSES AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES, MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND STOP. LUCKILY I WAS IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE DURING BOTH INCIDENTS AND COULD PULL OVER AND STOP WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IF I HAD BEEN IN ANOTHER LANE, THE RESULTANT LOSS OF SPEED AND AN ATTEMPT TO CHANGE LANES COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. HE IGNITION KEY IS LOCATED ON THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT SEATS AND IS NOT PR…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10112654 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10567631 · 2014-03-06 (March 6, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WITH HER PURSE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE WATER BOTTLE THAT WAS IN HER PURSE TOPPLED OVER AND STRUCK THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10567631 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10155724 · 2006-04-19 (April 19, 2006)
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 SAAB 9-5 WAGON AT OR AROUND 35 MPH WHEN THE CAR, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, LOST ITS ELECTRICAL POWER. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STEER, BRAKE OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE IN ANYWAY. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE DRIVER'S PANEL. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO ON-COMING TRAFFIC OR ANY VEHICLE FOLLOWING BEHIND HER BECAUSE SHE WAS APPROACHING A CURVE IN THE ROAD AT THE TIME THE CAR FAILED. SHE COASTED STRAIGHT AHEAD, THROUGH THE CURVE, TO A STOP. SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10155724 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10166145 · 2006-08-21 (August 21, 2006)
I HAVE A 2004 SAAB 9.5 THAT I BOUGHT NEW ON APRIL 1, 2004. FROM DAY 1 THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING ERRATICALLY. DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. THEN CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE ELECTRIC TRUNK LOCK STOPPED WORKING. I CONTACTED THE DEALER TELLING IT THAT EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOW BEYOND THE 50,000 MILE PORTION OF THE 4 YEAR WARRANTY (OF WHICH ONLY 28 MONTHS HAD ELAPSED) I WANTED THE TRUNK AND CRUISE ISSUES FIXED ALONG WITH A LAUNDRY LIST OF ITEMS THAT WERE NOT ADDRESSED PREVIOUSLY THE LAST TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN UNDE…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10166145 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10569393 · 2014-03-14 (March 14, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, AND THE TWICE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,108.
Owner-reported narrative. 51,108 miles reported. Look up ODI 10569393 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11660144 · 2025-05-10 (May 10, 2025)
I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, f…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11660144 at NHTSA ↗