1999 Saab 9-5: engine failure

6 of the 118 complaints about the 1999 Saab 9-5 describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 5%
typical mileage: 92,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2003
1
2002
2
2001
4
2000
1
1999
6

What owners say

Filed Feb 10, 2008 · Engine · 126,300 miles · MI

Engine seized due to oil sludging causing the car to stop in traffic on an incline at night on a street with out lighting. It seized without warning and was part of a recall two years ago but I was never notified of it. I found out after the incident from a repair shop.

Filed Nov 21, 2006 · Wheels · 103,754 miles · NY

1999 9-5 wheels rust in winter weather causing lug nuts to break. *ts the lug nut was broken and the hub spindle was corroded. This caused the wheel lug nuts to loosen while driving and one of the lugs nuts even snapped off. The outer cv joint seized in the spindle/hub, necessitating the replacement of the cv shaft as well as the hub. A recall was issued for this problem (03v006000 ) and the consumer's vehicle was serviced for this problem in 2003.

Filed Feb 24, 2005 · Engine · MA

While driving on an interstate highway, check engine display came on, but before I was able to get off the road the car completely stalled. Car towed to dealership (village saab,acton, ma), and told I needed a new engine. Oil always changed within specified parameters, w/ 76k mi. Saab notes defect-but offers no help.

Filed Oct 1, 2004 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · MA

I had a failure of the direct ignition cassette on my saab. This resulted in an immediate, unanticipated engine failure with no warning on the highway. This caused my vehicle to immediately die in the middle of the highway. I have since learned that this is not an uncommon problem with saabs. To me this constitutes a serious safety issue for saab drivers and passengers. In my case I was fortunate enough to have 2 police vehicles respond within minutes to divert highway traffic.*ak this part is now being replaced.

Filed Apr 11, 2004 · Engine · 78,000 miles · PA

I own a 1999 saab wagon which has had repeated problems with the engine and turbo system. The car with 78,000 miles now requires a new engine estimated at between 7-10 thousand dollars... About the value of the car.. The car has required major repairs including replacing the turbo, crankshaft, head gasket and oil pressure switch, the water pump as well as the throttle housing and di cassette. The vehicle has repeatedly failed while driving, stalling and bucking upon acceleration. These incidents LED to moments of two foot driving and numerous tows. Receiving no help from dealership or manufacturer vehicle had to be abandoned at dealership. Customer believes there is an inherent defect in the engine/turbo.

Filed Mar 29, 2004 · Engine · 92,000 miles · MI

I own a 1999 saab wagon which has had repeated problems with the engine and turbo system. The car, wih 92,000 miles, now requires a new engine. Estimated cost between 6 - 10 thousand dollars...about the value of the car. Last year, the car required a new turbo system (72,000 miles) at a cost of $1200 plus. At least four times, the vehicle failed while driving in traffic. It either lost all electrical power or would stall upon acceleration, requiring "two pedal" driving. The car required 5 tows because of mechanical breakdown. Car has repeated internal oil leaks which leads to clogged oil pan, a $600 repair. Customer believes there is an inherant defect with turbo seals.