2001 Saab 9-5: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2001 Saab 9-5
On the 2001 Saab 9-5, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, and the reports cluster around 47,500 miles. The earliest to appear is catalytic converter failure, reported by a median of 35,000 miles. Overall it scores 65 out of 100, high risk for a 2001.
High risk for a 2001 — 223rd riskiest of the 320 2001 vehicles we can rate. 113 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 26 named failure modes on the 2001 Saab 9-5, and the three most-reported carry 56% of everything filed.
Other electrical problem leads with 40 reports, about 2.3 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 35k to 67,500 miles.
Other engine problem follows with 13 reports, median 80,000 miles.
Catalytic converter failure follows with 10 reports, usually reported between 23k to 60,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (45), engine (25) and fuel (13).
The mileage the reports cluster at
88 of the reports on the 2001 Saab 9-5 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 57,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 40% by 50,000 miles, 81% by 100,000 miles and 98% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, which alone holds 16% of the dated reports.
30% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 26. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 8 a fire. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.52, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, catalytic converter failure at $900–$3,500 and fuel pump failure at $600–$2,600. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
27% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 40 | 33 | 35k | 47k | 68k | 2.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 13 | 7 | — | 80k | — | 0.8 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 10 | 10 | 23k | 33k | 62k | 0.6 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 9 | 7 | — | 56k | — | 0.5 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 7 | 4 | — | 67k | — | 0.4 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 3 | 3 | — | 50k | — | 0.2 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 75k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 21k | — | 0.2 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 3 | 2 | — | 117k | — | 0.2 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 3 | 1 | — | 68k | — | 0.2 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 77k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 2 | 1 | — | 48k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 59k | — | 0.1 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 120k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 120k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 62k | — | 0.1 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 62k | — | 0.1 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 23k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 88k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 194k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Wheel, stud or lug nut failure | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,500 | Critical |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2001 Saab 9-5 draws about 6.6 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 84th percentile of complaint rates among 2001 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 17,200 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2001 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
The engine on our 2001 saab 9.5 wagon completely shut down as we exited I-10 north of san antonio texas. The vehicle was at a speed of 65 MPH and the engine just quit. We were able to stop the car at the exits intersection because of its length of about 1/4 mile. There was no warning, just no engine and no restart. The direct ignition cassette was replaced. *ak
Exiting the highway on an overpass bridge the engine stopped without warning and would not restart. A few moments later smoke was visible from under the direct ignition cover and small flame was apparent. The flame went out after a few moments. However, we were left stranded on an unlit bridge overpass that was under construction at dusk (with an infant and toddler). Saab roadside assistance was contacted (they suggested we wait with the vehicle for approximately an hour until a tow truck could reach us.) this incident follows a string of minor electical / electronic "bugs" in which erroneous signals about light failures were displayed and the headlights failed to turn off when the key was removed (this is an automatic feature on saabs).*ak
Other engine problem
My 2001 saab 9-5 has just under 80,000 miles and has gone through 2 catalytic converters. It also burns out a lot of lights--headlights, tail lights, brake lights, etc. Every few months. Also the LED display on the dash has a lot of pixels out. I'm wondering if the electrical current is perhaps a little too high and that could be what's causing all of the problems?*ak
Multiple times the car, when warm will just without warning. All electrical and engine simultaneously quits leaving the driver to deal with a situation of no power brakes and steering. Multiple trips to dealer has resulted in no diagnosis and genearl apathy about the problem. The car is stil under warranlty but it offers no value. Clear safety issue as the last event was at a elemenary school where a child was almost hit as the lack of braking and steering power. How can such a symptom betreated withsuch apathy. We will be forced to sel the car for safety reasons and no responsibility is taken by saab. Ironically we had a similar problem with a 1994 9000.*ak
Catalytic converter failure
Driving at 65mph in far left lane of highway and sudden loss of speed--could only go 20-30 MPH for a few minutes before burning smell. Was able to come to right shoulder while dodging highway traffic. Direct ignition cassette (dic) failure 1 of 2 dic's in 6 cylinder engine). Second visit required for check engine light--was catalytic converter. Third visit for another cel for second dic failure.*ak
Driving at 65mph in far left lane of highway and sudden loss of speed--could only go 20-30 MPH for a few minutes before burning smell. Was able to come to right shoulder while dodging highway traffic. Direct ignition cassette (dic) failure 1 of 2 dic's in 6 cylinder engine). Second visit required for check engine light--was catalytic converter. Third visit for another cel for second dic failure.*ak
Recalls on the 2001 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2001 Saab 9-5, affecting an estimated 53,910 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fitt, electrical system:ignition:module, wheels:hub and air bags. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
94,377 vehicles 2007-03-07- 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
103,202 vehicles 2005-09-14- Defect
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 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 the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. Parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
WHEELS:HUB
70,726 vehicles 2003-01-13- 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…
- 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…
AIR BAGS
43,073 vehicles 2001-05-18- Defect
- Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the air bag alert labels may not be permanently affixed as required by this standard.
- Consequence
- These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
- Remedy
- Dealers will clean the sunvisor surface and apply a new air bag alert label on both sunvisors. Owner notification began july 30, 2001. 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2001 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Where 2001 sits in the model line
High risk for a 2001 — 223rd riskiest of the 320 2001 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 10 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2005 comes out best at 56 and 2002 worst at 67, with 2001 itself at 65.
If the model year is negotiable, 2005, 2000 and 1999 score lower than 2001 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 1998–2004 generation specifically, 2000 is the strongest year at 60 and 2002 the weakest at 67.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1998-2004 generation, 2000 Saab 9-5 scores best at 60 and 2002 Saab 9-5 worst at 67.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: catalytic converter failure from about 23k and other electrical problem from about 35k.
On a 2001 Saab 9-5 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether catalytic converter failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
The limits of complaint data
113 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 113 reports, 88 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 78% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saab 9-5?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (40 reports, median 47,500 miles), other engine problem (13 reports, median 80,000 miles) and catalytic converter failure (10 reports, median 35,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2001 Saab 9-5 problems start?
Catalytic converter failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 35,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 25,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 57,500 miles.
Is the 2001 Saab 9-5 reliable?
It scores 65 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 223rd riskiest of the 320 2001 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2001 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Saab 9-5 is best?
Within the 1998–2004 generation, 2000 scores best at 60 out of 100 and 2002 worst at 67. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed