Check a VIN

Saab 9-5 abs comes on

21 of the 557 owner complaints about the Saab 9-5 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2000 model year.

owner complaints
21
worst model year
2000
typical repair cost reported
$2,800
typical mileage
88,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 15, 2011 · Brakes · 195,000 miles · NJ

Vacuum brake booster filled with oil leaking from defective vacuum pump resulting in brake failure. Defective ABS module causes brakes to suddenly lock up immobilizing car. This is a design failure in the electronic ABS braking system in my opinion.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 97,000 miles · OH

All of these repairs in about a two year period: ABS module, oil cooler, throttle body, upper radiator hose, and both dic cassettes. This is completely unacceptable for what was originally a $40k car. I have loved saab's since my childhood, but this one car has completely turned me off of them. First the ABS module went, had it rebuilt ($150) and no improvement. So I bought a new one ($350). Then just after that the throttle body died ($450). Then just a few months later the oil cooler ($1100) went out. It ran smooth for a short time, but then both dic's died at the same time ($850). It is time for this car to go away, and I will never buy another saab. Why is there a recall on the dic for all subsequent years, but no the 1999's? Thank saab!!!

Filed Mar 5, 2009 · Brakes · 135,000 miles · CT

During driving, I experienced intermittent failures of the ABS system. Over time it became constant. Apparently, the ABS control module has failed, as seems to be common with this vehicle. The problem causes the speedometer to shut off, the odometer to stop clocking miles, the ABS system to shutdown and the traction control system to shut off.

Filed Sep 8, 2008 · Brakes · 88,000 miles · MA

Bosch ABS module on 2001 saab 9-5 se v6 with 88,000 miles failed with ABS, tcs, brake, and /!\ failure lights displayed on dash. Abs no longer operable. Traction control system no longer operable. Engine management system no longer operable. Speedometer no longer operable. From reading many (over eight!) message boards, this an endemic problem with the bosch ABS systems in many bmw, saab, cadillac catera, vw cars. Why can't the government recognize that this is an issue? Abs is brakes and brakes are a safety system. Please look into this. Contact bba-reman in taunton, ma, they handle fixing these systems and their load is very heavy.

Filed Oct 29, 2007 · Brakes · 96,980 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 95. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that the ABS module needed to be repaired. The current mileage was 97,000 and failure mileage was 96,980. Updated 11/15/07

Filed Jun 28, 2007 · Brakes · 98,050 miles · NJ

While driving in the 2000 9-5 the dashboard lit up like a christmas tree ; ABS, tcs, brakes, etc.. Brought the vehicle to the dealer, and was advised that I needed a new ABS controller . The cost to replace it was $2,700. I asked if they could install a rebuild or an aftermarket part ,and they advised that it would cost $1,600. Still aghast, I did some internet research and found that the bosch ABS module faile d routinely, and could be repaired for approximately $150 to $250. Aside from the potential safety issue of this part commonly failing there also appeared to be quite a mark up from the dealer/manufacturers on this part.

Filed Mar 14, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 72,000 miles · NY

Just as others have reported: dash lights came on: ABS, tcs off, warning triangle and brake. Check engine light came on after intermittent problem became permanent. Speedometer and odometer ceased to operate. Researched to discover a common problem with like vehicles (saabnet.com). Service technician confirmed that ABS ecu was inoperative and needed to be replaced. Arroway saab dealer attempted to resolve issue with saab USA to replace $3500 part. I would pay labor. Saab dealer refused to guarantee replacement of ABS computer would fix problem. Currently working with purchasing a used until for $900. Wish I had known about the rebuild option. This is a consistent problem which is 1) expensive and 2) potentially dangerous as it affects key safety features.

Filed Mar 11, 2007 · Brakes · 30 miles · FL

I own a 2000 saab 9-5. I have found there to be an issue with the ABS control module. This issue is present and known on many discussion boards for the vehicle. I would like to know why the ABS control module on these vehicles have not been recalled? The problem causes the speedometer to shut off, the odometer to stop clocking miles, the ABS system to shutdown and the traction control system to shut off. This is a fairly serious issue that may result in injury or death. It is a very well known problem among 2000 saab 9-5 owners. Thank you for your help. To reference one of many known instances of this saab issue, please visit: http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73456.

Filed Jul 21, 2006 · Brakes · 109,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated, while traveling at 60 MPH., the ABS module failed, causing failure to the odometer and speedometer. The module had been replaced once before this failure. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Jun 29, 2006 · Brakes · 52,800 miles · MD

Sudden multiple display of dash lights indicating failure of the anti lock braking system including disablement of the speedometer and odometer. This failure occurred less than one month after warranty period on car expired. Saab dealer requested $3000 to replace the ABS unit as a start, to find out why ABS system is disabled. Diagnostic checks (two independent shops) indicate no communication with ABS system computer so diagnostic of actual cause of failure impossible. I found out independently from private consumer group: www.saabnet.com , that this is common failure with saab 95s that are several years old and that several independent companies can rebuild the ABS controller for less than $300. I removed the ABS electronic control module and sent it for rebuild. I am awaiting return of part for reinstallation.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Saab 9-5 abs

Why does the abs come on in the Saab 9-5?

Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, brake failure and multiple warning lights.

Which Saab 9-5 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2000 (12 complaints), 1999 (5 complaints) and 2001 (3 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Saab 9-5?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,800 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Saab 9-5?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history