The engine on my 4 cylinder saab 9-5 (2002) has suddenly stopped while driving at least 4 times since owning the car, both on the highway and in slower traffic. The first time I reported officially (2007) to the dealer, "no cause was identified." I noticed the last time that it happened (around may 2011) that it seemed to coincide with inadvertently bumping into the ignition switch lightly while driving. The symptoms match that of another owner's complaint on this site for the 2002 saab 9-5. I expected my car to be included in the recent recall involving the faulty ignition switch but got no notification. I have also paid in june 2008 and again in october 2009 and january 2013 to replace/reset a faulty ignition cassette, which I believe should have been part of a recall campaign and not charged to me, but the parts were not included in the recall. In summary, due to the car shutting off, I feel it is not safe and that it should be included in the recent gmc recall. And that the faulty ignition cassette should have been recalled and not replaced at owner expense multiple times. I have documented service records of the above incidents.
The worst 2002 Saab 9-5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical33
- Engine13
- Fuel system9
- Seat belts3
- Transmission3
- Acceleration2
- Airbags2
- Steering2
- Body1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Saab 9-5
Stalling 20Loss of power 10Check engine light 7Fire or smoke 7Power steering loss 5
Recalls 6
Seats: front assembly: head restraint
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 08V160000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 07V087000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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).
Recall number 06V410000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 05V399000 · Recall details
Wheels: hub
- What is wrong
- 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 developing in the wheel bolts due to wheel to hub movement.
- Risk
- 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 1‑800‑955‑9007.
Recall number 03V006000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
- What is wrong
- The steering knuckle castings on certain passenger vehicles may have been contaminated during the casting process.
- Risk
- These knuckles can break, resulting in possible loss of steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle for the casting number. If the knuckle was in the defective batch, the steering knuckle will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during january 2002. 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 number 02V006000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 2002 Saab 9-5
Defect investigations
Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
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 restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified the federal safety agency of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v‑399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
PE05017
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Saab 9-5 63
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
2002 Saab 9-5 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 17-19 | 25-28 | 20-22 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
What 2002 Saab 9-5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Ignition switch shut off while on a busy highway twice! Once in 2006 and once later another year plus once in a driveway (car purchased used in the fall of 2005). The saab switch is located in the center console and if it is hit it switches off and shuts down the car, same as recalled switches in other gm cars. Very dangerous on the highway, but I was lucky and able to steer to the side without a crash. There should have been a lock mechanism to prevent it from happening. It never occurred to me to report it though it is definitely a safety hazard in a what was at the time a gm owned product. I still own the car and drive it daily on the same highway, however am very much aware of the issue. I wasn't aware of what caused the shut down until it happened the second time a few months after the first time. You should include saab in the recall of gm products.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 95. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled on a major highway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure was diagnosed by an authorized dealer who stated to repair the direct ignition cassette. The failure recurred multiple times after it was repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 48000.
On feb 20, 2013, I went to gillys, a local tire company, sold me two tires and welded a cracked rim. On mar 2, 2013 the tire blew out and upon inspection at walmart automotive. It was discovered the tire was illegally plugged on inner wall. The rim had recracked. This violates 49 cfr 570.10 wheel assemblies. The company that sold me the faulty tires without my knowledge. I believed I was purchasing two used tires without plugs, but received two tires which should never be on the road. Once I notified the tire shop, the owner disputed the findings despite two letters from separate tire shops.
Hello...I need to ask for your help. I have a 2002 saab 9-5 which has a problem with the front passenger side seat belt. It does not retract and therefore the passenger is unprotected. I know that saab has a history of this being a problem. My attempts to get some help from saab have been futile. If this was a minor item, I would just pay to have it fixed. I have been quoted $450 to have the seat belt fixed. I cannot afford to pay that. Isn't this the kind of very basic thing that a vehicle owner should expect when they purchase a car? Also, isn't this the very basic kind of thing that a vehicle manufacturer is responsible for providing to its customers, at a reasonable cost? I exist on a very limited income (social security) and can't afford to pay $450 to fix this. It is a known problem in other years and models of saab. Can I ask for your help in trying to get saab to correct this situation? Thank you.
Had a head-on accident, traveling approximately 55mph, car pulled out going across intersection, hit head-on. Slammed on brakes noticing she was going, and slammed into her car, her car turned around 180 degs. My airbags did not deploy, nor did the seat belt lock up, which allowed me to go forward in the accident.
Passenger side seat belt. Just riding down the road and heard a spring popping sound near passenger door. Then passenger belt went limp with person in the seat. The belt had no tension and would not retract. Called dealer and they said no recall campaign for this problem and I have to pay to repair. Huge safety issue that should be covered by manufacturer as the part must be defective.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-5. While driving at speeds of 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle lost power steering and braking ability. The contact was able to move the vehicle off the roadway and restart the vehicle. The vehicle resumed normal operation upon restarting. The dealer was contacted and advised that the electrical ignition module would need to be replaced. In addition, there was a recall for the failure yet his VIN was not included in the campaign (the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v410000- electrical system: ignition: module. The manufacturer confirmed the dealer's advice and would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.
Car just cutting off while driving almost rear ended two times, as happens without notice, took to shop, was diagnosed as ignition cassette. Witch was recalled, but still defective.
2002 saab 9-5 turbo 4 cylinder ignition cassette.
Compare the 2002 Saab 9-5
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Questions about the 2002 Saab 9-5
Is the 2002 Saab 9-5 reliable?
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2002 Saab 9-5, 3.4 times a typical 9-5 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2002 Saab 9-5 year score?
The 2002 Saab 9-5 scores 23 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saab 9-5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Saab 9-5?
Electrical system, with 33 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles. Next is engine (13).
How many recalls does the 2002 Saab 9-5 have?
6 recalls, covering seats, fuel system, gasoline and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Saab 9-5 get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Saab 9-5 range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-19 city and 25-28 highway.
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