2003 Saab 9-5: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Mar 10, 2006 · Body, Suspension · NY

Some or all saab 9-5's were manufactured with defective rear axle subframes. These subframes fatigue and deform resulting in tire failures, unsafe handling, premature tire wear, and/or other potentially fatal problems. I experienced a blowout at highway speed, premature tire wear, excessive tire noise, and unsettled vehicle dynamics for over 6 months while saab fought not to fix this problem. Online bulletin boards such as www.saabnet.com indicate that numerous other owners of 9-5 sedans and wagons, my 1999-present have experienced similar problems, almost always related to using the vehicle at or near its gross vehicle weight rating, which I believe to be significantly overstated by saab. The 9-5's suspension cannot withstand a fully or near fully loaded vehicle for any significant length of time and/or mileage.

Filed Feb 9, 2006 · Suspension · NY

2003 9-5 aero sport suspension failed resulting in tire blow outs and excessive wear to front and rear tires. Consumer had shocks and springs replaced. *ts

Filed Jan 6, 2006 · NY

The vehicles gvwr is overstated. This is based upon my own and other observations of permanent damage to the vehicle and tires when using the vehicle near the stated gvwr. I personally had a tire blow out on me and have had permanent damage to the tires and/or the vehicle and/or the vehicles suspension components. The manufacturer has to date not be able to fix my vehicle under warranty, despite replacing the entire rear suspension. The vehicle squats dangerously when loaded resulting in unsafe handling.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Suspension · NY

The vehicle cannot be loaded anywhere near is gvwr and maintain its original ride height (or anything close to the unloaded ride height) at the rear of the vehicle. When loaded the camber shifts (due to the rear suspension type) very negative causing poor handling and extreme tire wear on the inside edge of the rear wheels. I had a blowout at highway speed due to this problem.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Suspension, Tires · NY

Tire tread separation due to sudden wear on the inside edges of both rear tires. Negative camber on rear wheels leads to cupping and wear along the inside edge of both back wheels. With car fully loaded, tread can separate after only a few thousand miles. At the very least the tires must be replaced after a few thousand miles to avoid sudden tread separations and loss of air pressure.