2003 Saab 9-5: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2003 Saab 9-5
On the 2003 Saab 9-5, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, and the reports cluster around 75,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 75,000 miles. Overall it scores 62 out of 100, high risk for a 2003.
High risk for a 2003 — 289th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. 69 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 17 named failure modes on the 2003 Saab 9-5, and the three most-reported carry 48% of everything filed.
Other electrical problem leads with 22 reports, about 1.6 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 49k to 90,000 miles.
No-start or intermittent start failure follows with 6 reports, median 120,000 miles.
Alignment fault and uneven tire wear follows with 5 reports.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (26), engine (16) and fuel (7).
When these failures get reported
48 of the reports on the 2003 Saab 9-5 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 75,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 31% by 50,000 miles and 79% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 90,000 and 100,000 miles, which alone holds 13% of the dated reports.
21% 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 17. 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
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 1 mentions a crash and 1 an injury. 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 3.23, 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, no-start or intermittent start failure at $200–$1,800, alignment fault and uneven tire wear at $150–$1,200 and stalling while driving at $300–$2,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
28% 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 | 22 | 18 | 49k | 76k | 92k | 1.6 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 6 | 6 | — | 120k | — | 0.4 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Alignment fault and uneven tire wear | suspension | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.4 | $150–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 4 | 4 | — | 32k | — | 0.3 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 4 | 4 | — | 76k | — | 0.3 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 4 | 4 | — | 3k | — | 0.3 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 4 | 3 | — | 94k | — | 0.3 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 78k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 3 | 1 | — | 84k | — | 0.2 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 3 | 2 | — | 58k | — | 0.2 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 67k | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 10k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 2 | 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 2003 Saab 9-5 draws about 4.9 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 81st percentile of complaint rates among 2003 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 14,145 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2003 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
Check engine light on 2003 saab 9-5 aero diagnosed as failing ignition cassette which is the same faulty part for recall on the 2000-2002 cars only. A complete failure while driving would have caused the engine to totally shutdown. This part was replaced at my cost, but the original part number was installed vs. The newer upgraded version to hopefully prevent future failures. Re: campaign id# 05v399000. Shouldn't the faulty "original" part be pulled from dealer stock and why has the 2003 model year and other years been excluded since the faulty part is exactly the same? *nm
The engine warning light on my 2003 9-5 wagon has been coming on periodically for the last year. We had it serviced by an indy and two error codes came up, p1312 and p1334, both having to do with the direct ignition cassette. We just had the part replaced. Only once did the car "die" while driving and luckily it was at low speed and I was able to pull off the road to restart. The identifying information on the original part is 9197559 (tk3.6). My vehicle was built in 2002. Consider expanding the recall in place for 2000-2002 model years (NHTSA #05v399000) to include 2003 vehicles, particularly those built in 2002. *tr
No-start or intermittent start failure
My 2003 saab 9-5 arc v6 3.0turbo has begun having issues with the ignition. It frequently will not start. It turns over but the engine will not completely fire. In addition, once it does start it will often stall out. This generally happens when switching from park to drive or reverse or when at a stoplight/stop sign. Once the car stalls it does not just restart. The spark plugs are all new and no lines are broken/damaged. I have examined recalls on this car and recall05087/15021b describes my problem and my model of car is listed yet I am told that this recall does not apply to my VIN number. This has happened for a few months. I am listing the incident date as today's date. *tr
I was driving approximately 30-35 MPH down a four lane road when the car stalled leaving me with no power at the accelerator. It became very difficult to steer the car and the brake pedal became very hard to depress. Luckily I was able to coast off the road where the car came to a complete stop blocking the entrance/exit of a gas station. I was less then 200 feet from where I was turning onto the entrance ramp of a highway. The gas station attendant was very upset telling me I can not leave my car there. The car would not start after several attempts. The car was towed to the mechanic. The car has been at the service station for over 2 weeks now. The technician is unable to find the reason the car stalled. However he explained that the fuel pump and the fuel pump relay are operational. He also explained that there is no electricity getting to the fuel pump. He has already replaced the crankshaft position sensor and is in the process of checking all sensors and relays. During my own research, I have found that these cars have faulty electrical systems with many recalls on the direct ignition cassette (dic). At this point, we do not…
Recalls on the 2003 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2003 Saab 9-5, affecting an estimated 36,679 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 seats:front assembly:head restraint, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fitt, electrical system:ignition:module and wheels:hub. 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.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
57,389 vehicles 2008-04-09- 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
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
5,078 vehicles 2006-10-26- 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
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…
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 2003 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
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2003 — 289th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
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 2003 itself at 62.
If the model year is negotiable, 2005 scores lower than 2003 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.
Where to spend the inspection money
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: other electrical problem from about 49k.
On a 2003 Saab 9-5 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other electrical problem 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.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
What this page cannot tell you
69 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 69 reports, 48 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 70% 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".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
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 2003 Saab 9-5?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (22 reports, median 75,000 miles), no-start or intermittent start failure (6 reports, median 120,000 miles) and alignment fault and uneven tire wear (5 reports). 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 2003 Saab 9-5 problems start?
Other electrical problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 75,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 50,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 75,000 miles.
Is the 2003 Saab 9-5 reliable?
It scores 62 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 289th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2003 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