Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 115 of 118 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 98 of 118 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
90 complaint records1 fire report
"CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO DEALER, DIAGNOSED AS DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED PART. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
17 complaint records
"VEHICLE WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WITH A/C ON. DEFECT HAS OCCURRED 6 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF DEFECT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Fuel system
8 complaint records
"AS REPORTED BY THE AUTO DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, A SEAM ON THE TOP OF THE NON-METALLIC FUEL TANK HAS SEPARATED AND DEVELOPED A LEAK. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05017 opened Apr 2005 | closed Sep 2005 | Electrical System | ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 06V410000 ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM CASSETTE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03V006000 | Wheels | 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... | Normally free |
| 98V139000 | Equipment | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002247 2002-12-23 | Suspension | 2,868 | On certain vehicles, when changing back and forth between alloy and steel wheels (as for winter tires), rust and other contaminates may build up on the mating surface of the wheel hubs. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. |
Show 33 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| SB-071511 Jun 2011 | Electrical System | GM: THE WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, AND POWER WINDOWS ARE INOPERATIVE. 1999-2009 SAAB 9-5. *RM | |
| PIC-4089A Nov 2010 | Steering | SAAB: STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS INOPERATIVE OR INCORRECT FUNCTION. *PE UPDATED 5/23/11. *PE | |
| 2102554 Oct 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *KB | |
| 01092006 Jan 2006 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 03001 Jan 2003 | Wheels | A SAFETY DEFECT MAY EXIST WHERE CHANGING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN ALLOY AND STEEL WHEELS, MAY CAUSE RUST AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO BUILD UP ON THE MATING SURFACE OF THE WHEEL HUB AND CAUSE THE WHEEL BOLTS TO FATIGUE AND POSSIBLY BREAK. *TT | |
| 381 Jun 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF TEST BRAKE LIGHTS MESSAGE DELETED FROM SID REPLACEMENT UNITS. *TT | |
| 211 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TO ADDRESS AN EXTERNAL OIL OR COOLANT LEAK FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WHEN NO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR OTHER RUNNING COMPLAINTS HAVE OCCURRED. *TT | |
| 200 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF ENGINE / EXHAUST NOISE FORM A COLD ENGINE OR WHEN TURNING A CORNER. *TT | |
| 471 Mar 2001 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING NEW UPDATE KIT FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 854 Feb 2001 | Structure | ADDRESSING COMPLAINT OF NOISE CAUSED BY LEAVES ENTERING FAN HOUSING. *TT | |
| 411 Sep 2000 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING RATTLING NOISE HEARD FROM CLUTCH DISC HUB ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL GEARBOXES AS FROM VIN X3000655 - X3086621. *TT | |
| 3672249 Sep 2000 | Equipment | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 838: DISTURBANCES DUE TO WIRING HARNESS PROVISIONS FOR CD CHANGER . CARS AFFECTED ARE WITHIN VIN RANGES X3020001 - Y3046149. *TT | |
| 2482262 Sep 2000 | Electrical System | RECALL INFORMATION ON REPLACING ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM). *TT | |
| 8312218 May 2000 | Structure | IN CONNECTION WITH THE INTRODUCTION IN PRODUCTION OF A NEW SCREW FOR THE TRUNK (BOOT) LID HINGES, A SMALL OPENING IN ONE OF THE FASTENING HOLES TO THE WATER CHANNEL WAS SEALED. | |
| 8552199 May 2000 | Structure | CUSTOMER SATISFICATION CAMPAIGN 827 ON REPLACING THE C-PILLAR TRIM ON ALL WAGON MODELS WITHIN VIN RANGES X3020150 - X3090057. *TT | |
| 364 Feb 2000 | Seats | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH OR SEAT FAN SWITCH WILL NOT ILLUMINATE OR DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WORKING. *TT | |
| 4322038 Jan 2000 | Power Train | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 473 REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID ON VEHICLES WITHIN VIN SERIAL NO. RANGES X3000001 - X3023950. *TT | |
| 3832069 Jan 2000 | Steering | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 484 TO REPLACE THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SIREN ON VEHICLES WITHIN VIN SERIAL NO. RANGES X3000001 - X3001609. *TT | |
| 3712128 Jan 2000 | Electrical System | THERE HAVE BEEN OCCASIONAL CASES WHERE THE WIRING HARNESS HAS COME TOO CLOSE TO THE ABS UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES WITHIN VIN X300853 - X3001441. *TT | |
| 371 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SID THAT DISPLAYS TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED MESSAGE OR A PROBLEM WITH WINTER OR SPORT BUTTONS. *TT | |
| 248 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1230, P1240, P1251, P1530, P1614 IS FOUND. *TT | |
| 843 Feb 1999 | Visibility | CUSTOMER COMPLAINT REGARDING OUTER DOOR MIRROR CASING COMING LOOSE. *TT | |
| 844 Feb 1999 | Structure | ADDRESSING COMPLAINTS OF WIND NOISE / WHISTLE AT 65 MPH WHERE THE A-PILLAR MEETS THE ROOF AND WINDSHIELD. *TT | |
| 835 Feb 1999 | Structure | ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF WIND NOISE FROM FRONT DOOR WINDOWS. *TT | |
| 200 Feb 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECT ENGINE BEARING CAP TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT | |
| 367 Nov 1998 | Equipment | ADDRESSING QUESTIONS REGARDING RADIO FREQUENCIES. *YC | |
| 4322045ED3 Nov 1998 | Power Train | REPLACEMENT OF SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID. *YC | |
| 8431953 Nov 1998 | Visibility | PROCEDURES ON PREVENTING JUDDERING OF SIDE WINDOWS ( UNSMOOTH OPERATION ) FOR VEHICLES UP TO AND INCLUDING VIN X3001194 AND W3075121. *YC | |
| 300 Oct 1998 | Electrical System | INFORMATION ON ELECTRICAL FAULT TRACING. *YC | |
| 3832047 Oct 1998 | Steering | INFORMATION ON REPLACING THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM SIREN ON VEHICLES WITHIN VIN X3000001 - X3001609. *TT | |
| 870 Aug 1998 | Unknown Or Other | ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS WITH ACC PANEL DISPLAY. *YC | |
| 340 Apr 1998 | Unknown Or Other | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON VERIFYING KEY OPERATION. *YC |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Saab 9-5 →