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 98 of 102 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 83 of 102 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
63 complaint records3 fire reports
"IN MARCH 2006 MY 2000 SAAB 9-5 WAGON BURST INTO FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR BURNED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *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 →
Brakes
17 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 SAAB 9-5 LPT, THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND THE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO. THE MECHANIC STATES THAT THE ABS COMPUTER HAS FAILED DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE ELECTRONICS. *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 brakes parts in the directory →
Fuel system
12 complaint records
"NOXIOUS TERRIBLE SMELL --SUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED CATALYTIC CONVERTER---REPLACED CATALTIC CONVERTER W/NEW DESIGN NOTHING HELPED--SULPHUROUS SMELL THAT IRRIATES WIFE'S LUNGS..."- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V399000 | Electrical System | 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... | Normally free |
| 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 |
| 01V168000 | Air Bags | 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. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005271 2005-09-20 | Electrical | 5,133 | Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the Isolated Gated Bipolar Transistor... |
| 2005179 2005-06-14 | Other | 762 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210. The required markings for the child tether anchorage hooks are missing in the luggage compartment area. |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. |
Show 51 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-009 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 22-NA-009 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 22-NA-074 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 16NA383 May 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| PI1394A Aug 2016 | Engine | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO INSTALL PISTONS AND SUGGEST WHAT TOOLS TO USE. | |
| 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. | |
| 000601012F Aug 2016 | Engine | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO GM DEALERS ON THE CORRECT CLEANING METHODS WHEN CLEANING ENGINE GASKET SEALING SURFACES. | |
| PIT5485B Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE, TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. | |
| PIC-5050-A Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS ON REPAIRING THE CONCERN. A CUSTOMER MAY IDENTIFY A CONCERN OF UNABLE TO REACTIVATE A VEHICLE'S ONSTAR THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISABLED BY ONSTAR. | |
| PIC-4935-E Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. | |
| PIC4935E Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. | |
| PIC5050A Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS ON REPAIRING THE CONCERN. A CUSTOMER MAY IDENTIFY A CONCERN OF UNABLE TO REACTIVATE A VEHICLE'S ONSTAR THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISABLED BY ONSTAR. | |
| PIT5389A Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS FOR DIAGNOSING THE CONCERN. THE VEHICLE MAY BE UNABLE TO CONNECT TO ONSTAR USING THE WHITE, BLUE OR RED ONSTAR BUTTONS. | |
| PIT5485A Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN, IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. | |
| 15-NA-079 Dec 2015 | Equipment | OnStar® Voice Fallback Number Update Some customers may have received a letter from OnStar® stating that "We recently tried to provide a software update to the OnStar® hardware in your vehicle. However, your system could not be updated remotely. | |
| PIT5264B Nov 2014 | Equipment | Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| PIC5588B Jun 2014 | Equipment | Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules. | |
| PIT5264 Mar 2014 | Equipment | Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Equipment | 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. | |
| PIC5588A Oct 2012 | Equipment | Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules. | |
| SB-10-08-50-003B Nov 2011 | Seats | GENERAL MOTORS: INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BULLETIN FOR ALL 2012 AND PRIOR GENERAL MOTOR TRUCKS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES REGARDING THE ADJUSTABLE COMFORT AND CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY OF THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER HEAD RESTRAINT. *PE | |
| 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 | |
| 08089-B Nov 2008 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE | |
| 08-089 Jun 2008 | Equipment | BUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. | |
| 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 | |
| 2482428 May 2004 | Electrical System | NEW FAULT DIAGNOSIS FOR IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE TRIONIC 7. *EH | |
| 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 | |
| 3699036 Aug 2001 | Equipment | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 15402 ON REPLACING THE ONSTAR VEHICLE INTERFACE UNIT (VIU). *TT | |
| 381 Jun 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF TEST BRAKE LIGHTS MESSAGE DELETED FROM SID REPLACEMENT UNITS. *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 | |
| 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 | |
| 4402247 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 839: INCORRECT POSITION OF HYDRAULIC HOSE ON CARS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITHIN VIN RANGES Y3040825 - Y3054472. *TT | |
| 2482262 Sep 2000 | Electrical System | RECALL INFORMATION ON REPLACING ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM). *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 | |
| 100 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION TIMES FOR 2000 MODELS. *TT | |
| 0119041 Sep 1999 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING THE 2000 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *TT | |
| 0129042 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | 2000 MODEL CODE INFORMATION INSTITUTED BY SAAB CARS USA, INC. AS AN INTERNAL SHORT-HAND IDENTIFIER SYSTEM FOR CAR INVENTORY CONTROL, ORDERING AND TECHNICAL FOLLOW-UP. *TT | |
| 1139043 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SERVICE INTERVALS FOR SAAB MODELS. *TT |
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.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- 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 3 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 →