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Saab 9-5 loss of power problems

49 of the 557 owner complaints about the Saab 9-5 describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2000 model year.

owner complaints
49
worst model year
2000
typical repair cost reported
$600
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 19, 2014 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · CA

While traveling on freeway, ignition suddenly shut off and car lost all power. Had to steer to the side of the road without power and then restart car to continue.

Filed Jul 20, 2011 · Fuel system · 146,000 miles · CA

Driving slowly in heavy traffic, I noticed a loss of power when I attempted to merge with freeway traffic. The gas gauge needle was dropping quicker than normal, and the gasoline fumes became apparent after cracking a window. The engine stalled for the third and last time as I exited the freeway. Upon inspection, I could see that the fuel 'line out' from the pump under the back seat had come out, forcing fuel out onto the road, just in front of my right rear wheel. I was able to push it back in as the retaining clip was not broken. With air in the line, it took a while to start up and get to a nearby gas station. Double zip-ties when I got home. Called my saab guy who said there had been a recall, and I need to get their late fix bracket. It will never come out again of its own accord, and I'm thankful that I didn't have to get it towed - this time.

Filed Jul 17, 2011 · Fuel system · 146,000 miles · CA

Driving in heavy traffic after leaving work, I noticed no loss of power until I attempted to merge with freeway traffic. Soon enough, though I did notice that the gas gauge needle was dropping quicker than normal, and the gasoline fumes became apparent after cracking the windows. The engine stalled for the third and last time just as I escaped off the freeway. Upon inspection, I could see that the fuel line out from the pump under the back seat had come out, forcing all (of that oh-so-precious) fuel out onto the road, just in front of my right rear wheel. I pushed it back in (fuel tank 'roads?), as the retaining clip was not broken. Now with some air in the line, it took a while to suck enough fumes to start up and get to a nearby gas station. Smooth as silk after a dose of fuel. Double zip-ties when I got home. Called my saab guy who said there had been a recall, and I need to get their 'after fix' bracket. It will never come out again, and I'm grateful I didn't have to get towed this time.

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 Jul 5, 2010 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · OH

2000 saab 95 automobile has poor performance and loss of power. Saab dealer replaced direct ignition cassette (dic) in 2006 under recall and the problem has developed again. The dealer will not replace a second dic. This is both expensive and dangerous for highway operation. The part has problems.

Filed Jun 4, 2010 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2008 · Electrical · 59,000 miles · MA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saab 9-5. While approaching a stop light at 10 MPH, the vehicle began vibrating excessively and the engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. Minutes later, the interior lighting dimmed, the vehicle dramatically decelerated, and a burning smell was present. The vehicle lost power, but was restarted 15 minutes later. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer and they stated that the vehicle was experiencing the same failure as stated in the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v399000 (electrical system:ignition:module). The contact would have to pay for the repair. The vehicle is currently being repaired. He filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 59,000.

Filed Jun 26, 2007 · Electrical · 83,320 miles · CO

Electrical system:ignition:module failure caused overheating of the engine. The engine stalled while on the interstate highway. This could have caused an accident as lost all power steering and power brakes. Auto mobile was 2000 saab 9-5 with a v-6 reference recall notice 05v399000, saab denies this vehicle was under the recall.

Filed Jun 19, 2007 · Electrical · 196,600 miles · GA

Car lost power on interstate, noticed engine light on. Obdii scanner gave two codes, 1306 and 306, which indicated misfire cylinder 6. I removed the saab direct ignition to visually inspect cylinder 6. I notice engine oil in the vicinity ,and a cracked idm. It mated with cylinder 6 spark plug. Idm replacement resolved misfire.

Filed May 29, 2007 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saab 9-5. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to pull off the road before the vehicle completely shut off. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the cause of failure was the ignition module. This failure was the same as noted in the federal safety agency recall # 05v399000 (electrical system:ignition:module). The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Saab 9-5 loss of power

Which Saab 9-5 years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2000 (14 complaints), 2001 (12 complaints) and 2002 (10 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Saab 9-5?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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