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2004 Saab 9-5 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Saab 9-5 is electrical system, typically around 46,500 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical 9-5 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
19
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
83
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 2004 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.

  • Electrical
    13
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

Seats: front assembly: head restraintReported April 9, 2008 · 57,389 vehicles affected
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 fittingsReported March 7, 2007 · 94,377 vehicles affected
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

See all 2 recalls for the 2004 Saab 9-5

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Saab 9-5 83

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 83 bulletins for the 2004 Saab 9-5

2004 Saab 9-5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD17-1825-2720-22

What 2004 Saab 9-5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NJ · fire

I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. I bought 3, one a Bosch branded model, and It has never restarted. Many other drivers complain in forums, like Saab Forums, that they are experiencing the same problems. As you know, stalling at highway speeds can cause death. Clearly the problems with the Saab motorcars, produced, owned, and sold through General Motors, are something that poses a hazard, and should be repaired at GM dealership's expense. P.S. The vehicle's immobilizer device has caused my vehicle to not start at all. The key fobs have stopped functioning at all. I replaced the batteries, and they won't connect to the engine. The vehicle will crank, but no start. Battery runs down, with crank, but no start behavior. Can General Motors either: 1. replace the entire engine, 2. repair the "stall, no restart" situation, 3. moreover repair my seeming to be, "anti-theft system, no start" situation, called DICE/TWICEsystem, 4. achieving an actual fix for these older, but cherished sporting cars? Please check these links for confirming information: saabforums.com/forum/saab9-5-12/engine-turns-over--but-wont-start-9066/ www.saabcentral.com/threads/cranks-but-wont-start.689898/

Filed Aug 5, 2022 · Airbags · CO · crash

7/26/22 10:23pm on interstate 25 North of Denver mile 249 I was not able to stop and rear ended another vehicle. My air bags did not deploy there were no dash lights indicating any problem with the airbags prior to the accident. My vehicle was not drivable and was towed to H&R Towing in Johnstown, CO. The only inspection so far has been by an Amica Insurance adjuster. My set belt pretensioner held me fast but the crown of my head went forward into the visor area I was dazed. I went by ambulance to MCR hospital in Loveland diagnosed with a concussion. I had other bruises from the seatbelt and hitting my left knee on the dash. The damage to my car begins at the driver’s side headlamp area and radiates across the font of the car to the headlights on the passenger side. The hood was folded back and there is significant damage to all the components in the front part of the engine compartment. I’ve tried to contact Saab cars but no response, they stopped building cars in 2011. I tried GM as well, no response.

Filed Jul 3, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · FL

I have owned a 2004 saab 9-5 sport combi wagon since 2006. Twice, over the last several years (2011, 2014), my husband and I have been on the highway and had an ignition switch incident where he was the driver and I was the passenger. In both incidents, I turned around to talk to my daughter (2011) and then daughters (2014) and inadvertently bumped the key in the ignition with my knee. The ignition switch is located in the center of the car by the console. It only took a slight tap of my knee and my car shut off while going at speeds of 75-80 MPH on the highway. Fortunately, both times my husband was able to put the car into neutral and get the car off to the side of the road.

Filed May 2, 2014 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 sabb 9-5. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and took it to the dealer for inspection of the failure where the technician replaced the ignition module. The contact was made aware of a manufacturer's recall for the ignition switch but was advised that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. Updated 10/23/2014*lj the consumer stated the check engine and no automatic warning lights would illuminate on frequently. Updated 8/10/2015

Filed Mar 14, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 51,108 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the crank shaft position sensor, fuel pump, and the twice unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 51,108.

Filed Mar 6, 2014 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that she was traveling 55 MPH with her purse on the passenger's side seat. The contact proceeded to exit the highway when the water bottle that was in her purse toppled over and struck the ignition switch, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2013 · Tires · 24,895 miles · GA

Kumho ecsta lx platinum 225/45zr17 tire on left front of saab 9-5 with approximately 25,000 miles use blew out suddenly (rapid loss of air) and without warning at 35 MPH. Appears to have several cracks in sidewall near tread. Prior to blowout, slight left pull in car steering was noted during interstate driving, but assumed to be alignment issue since all tires maintained normal pressure. Tire was replaced; dealer determined tire was defective (possible internal belt slip). Failed tire is available from owner.

Filed Aug 26, 2011 · Electrical · 46,172 miles · NV

A recall was previously issued for saab direct ignition cassette failures for model years 2000 through 2002. My 2004 saab 9-5 arc, which has 46,180 miles on it, had to have the di cassette replaced today due to failure. My model year should have been included in this recall due to the limited (less than reasonable) life of the part.

Filed Sep 15, 2010 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-5. The contact stated that when driving on the highway, the vehicle would suddenly shut down completely. The engine and electrical systems would turn off completely. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was able to be immediately restarted when the failure occurred. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch was most likely the cause for failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current mileage was approximately 74,00. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 12/30/10 *bf updated 01/10/11*jb updated 3/31/14

Filed Jan 17, 2010 · Body · 64,000 miles · CT

2004 saab 95 linear wagon liftgate hinge failure hinge may or may not hold the liftgate at the open position. If one is reaching deep into the trunk, liftgate can close by itself, and hit on the back with substantial force.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Saab 9-5 before you buy

Compare the 2004 Saab 9-5

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Questions about the 2004 Saab 9-5

Is the 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2004 Saab 9-5, close to a typical 9-5 model year.

What is the 2004 Saab 9-5 year score?

The 2004 Saab 9-5 scores 73 out of 100 (average). 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 2004 Saab 9-5?

Electrical system, with 13 complaints, typically around 46,500 miles. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have?

2 recalls, covering seats and fuel system, gasoline.

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).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Saab 9-5 get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Saab 9-5 range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-18 city and 25-27 highway.

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