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2003 Saab 9-5 electrical problems

25 complaints (53% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 79,654.

owner complaints
25
of this car's complaints
53%
typical mileage
79,654
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: module
    5
  • Ignition
    2
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1
  • Horn
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saab 9-5 electrical problems in other years

1999200020012002200320042005200620072008

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: moduleReported October 26, 2006 · 5,078 vehicles affected
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

What 2003 Saab 9-5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 12, 2016 · Electrical · 41,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 buick regal. The contact stated that all door locks would become stuck when activated by the electronic door lock system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Electrical · NY

Tl* the contacts owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the direct ignition cassette needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 125,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 50,030 miles · NY

I was driving the car when suddenly the car when dead while I was driving it.I was lucky that I was able to restart it and there was a gas station right near by. It did not start up normally and was very sluggish. I was in the middle of traffic when this happened but fortunately not heavy traffic and in the right lane. It was very scary. They towed my saab to a saab dealer for me who had to install a new ignition. This happened about 4-5 years ago on my saab 2003 9-5 station wagon which was built by gm. I believe it was built on the same platform of one of the cadillacs that is under recall.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the brakes seized as the engine stalled. The contact was able to stop the vehicle with the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the ignition discharge module was defective. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign I.d. Number: 06v410000 (electrical system) and called the manufacturer, who advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2013 · Electrical · NY

The horn often fails to work when the steering wheel mounted airbag cover is pressed. This is an ongoing, unresolved problem. A dealer replaced a part under warranty but that did not fix the problem. I have seen several other 2002+ 9-5s with the same horn failure issue.

Filed Feb 9, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 112,000 miles · CT

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 know what caused the problem. I am a single mother with 2 young children and rely on this automobile on a daily basis. In fact, I had just dropped my daughter (9 years old) off at dancing school. I was just on the highway 20 minutes prior to dropping my daughter off at dancing school. I am extremely concerned that this will happen again. I can not afford to have this problem happen without cause and warning. Would you please forward me any information via e-mail or regular mail that would help assure me this problem will never happen again. If you know this car is problematic then please inform me to sell the car so I can get a more reliable car that will prevent the risk of injury or death to me and my family.

Filed Oct 26, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 84,000 miles · NH

My car was built in 2002 as well as others reported, I purchased it used 3 years ago with 64k miles. My direct ignition control in 2003 9-5 linear sedan 2.3t ceased. Upon research, my dic is the original part 9197559 tk3.6 2000-2002 are recalled and 'some' 2003 VIN's. With the over abundance of dic failures with the exact same part number, these need to be recalled as a whole. Upon removal of the dic, the engine is leaking at the seams of the head from where the bolts are located, inside the dic and engine section is perfectly clean. Bolts in the head of the engine loose, 1 was lifted out enough to just remove straight out. Car blows blueish smoke when it was starting, switches are defective (gm known issue), oil / engine / head known issues, suspension known issues (among other serious saab failures). I have spent thousands of dollars on this vehicle since purchase. The known recalls must be expanded to include the parts, not just 'year' or 'specific VIN'. This was supposed to be a safe, reliable car but instead is causing serious financial issues. Please help the owners all over the world, we should not have to pay for all of this.. We already paid for their 'bailout'! Sincerely~ can not take any more repairs!!!

Filed Oct 8, 2011 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · TN

Check engine light kept going on and off and car had made a loud popping noise from the electrical system, when trying to start one day. I checked online for recalls, which stated there was a recall for electrical, ignition issues. I took my car into a repair shop to check on check engine light. There is a recall 06v410000, oct 26 2006 for this very issue but for 6 cylinder, and mine is a 4 cylinder engine. The repair shop replaced the ign cassette. This was a very expensive repair, $582.45 and should be covered by saab. My car could have caught on fire. What do you have to say about that!

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Electrical · 80,956 miles · NC

2003 saab / 9-5 -- 6-cylinder gasoline engine -- mileage: 80,956 -- manufacturer: saab cars USA, inc. --my saab suddenly and without warning had a loss of power, rough operation, check engine light and smoke. The sudden stop almost caused an accident. I found out this is due to an electrical system issue with the ignition module. I have replaced the part and with labor the cost was $441. My research has uncovered a recall in VIN numbers up to 7727. My VIN number ends less than 1000 later. The issue is exactly as identified in the recall. (the federal safety agency action number: pe05017) I have retained the part and the shop verified that it is the original part. I believe that this and the other of the two parts should be covered under the recall. Saab has declined and suggested my only recourse was to contact

Filed Aug 21, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 98,723 miles · CA

Without warning, on two occasions, my wife's 2003 saab 9-5 aero wagon has stopping running while she was driving in traffic at approximately 45 miles per hour. The car has been factory maintained and is in excellent condition. Obviously, it is very dangerous to have the vehicle stop running without any warning. The car had a new fuel pump and crankshaft sensor installed but the problem recurred about 6 weeks after the repair. Thank you for your time and consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Questions about the 2003 Saab 9-5 electrical

Does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the electrical of the 2003 Saab 9-5, 53% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Saab 9-5 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 79,654 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Saab 9-5 electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 06V410000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saab 9-5 have the most electrical problems?

The Saab 9-5 model years with the most electrical complaints are 1999 (70 complaints), 2000 (57 complaints) and 2001 (56 complaints).

Other 2003 Saab 9-5 problems

Engine 9Fuel system 7Suspension 5Tires 5Transmission 3Acceleration 2Body 2Airbags 1Seat belts 1Seats 1

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