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2008 Saab 9-7X problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Saab 9-7X is lights, typically around 82,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical 9-7X model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
78/100
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
790
Worst area
Lights
Fuel economy
13-16mpg

The worst 2008 Saab 9-7X 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.

  • Lights
    9
  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    4
  • Airbags
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Saab 9-7X

Headlights 10

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported August 14, 2015 · 429,170 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
Risk
Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

Recall number 15V519000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Saab 9-7X

Defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Saab 9-7X 790

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

See all 790 bulletins for the 2008 Saab 9-7X

2008 Saab 9-7X fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.2L 6‑cyl4WD142016
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD131916
6.0L 8‑cyl4WD121613

What 2008 Saab 9-7X owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 21, 2020 · Lights · TX

There is not a dealership that is able to fix the recall on my vehicle that is near me. Gm recall #: 15037 the federal safety agency # 15v519 date issued: jan 06, 2015 recall title: recall 15037 - headlamp driver module recall status: incomplete

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Lights · NY

Dim head lights, I have to use the high beam light to see properly especially on highway or poorly lit areas.

Filed Feb 3, 2017 · Lights · 70,000 miles · PA

There is a recall for certain 2008 97x models, recall number 15v519000. The headlights come on when driving, but then flicker and go out, causing a huge safety issue . This is happening to my car, but saab tells me my VIN is not included. The recall should be extended to include all 2008 97x model. At this time, some owners are getting it fixed for free and others, like me will have to pay for it.

Filed Dec 20, 2016 · Lights · WI

Called 800 ^ the said they would call when part was available, 6 months later received second letter call local dealer in may of 2016 said they would call when part was in. Still haven't received a call.safty recall # 14291/15037.

Filed Sep 4, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 72,246 miles · NY

"takata recall" purchased from eastchester chrysler jeep dodgr dealership in bronx, ny 10486 , on feb. 28, 2015, engine light illuminated on dashboard indicating a possible problem. I took it back approximately 7x to the dealer for repair and approximately 8 additional times at other mechanics. Unfortunately, light continues today. Both headlights were problem; drivers side beginning first dimming very low. Several weeks later, the passenger side headlight began to have problems as well. Eventually it became a necessity to become an expensive out-of- pocket expense. Finally, the stability check light continuously comes on and off making it necessary to stop and turn off and restart vehicle as suggested by dealer mechanic advice. Allinformation described is verified with documents.

Filed Jul 21, 2016 · Airbags, Lights · 73,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. While driving 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated and the headlights shut off. The contact turned the headlights off and on. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2016 · Transmission · 71,248 miles · MD

While driving the car it cuts off while in the drive gear. This happened 4 times, twice while driving on the beltway all within a 3 week period. I have e to put the car in park and wait about 2 minutes then start it up again. I was scared to drive the car after the second time stopping on the beltway, so I had the car towed to the shop. This was very dangerous and stressful not knowing when the car would stop at any given time. The dealer had to replace the computer in the car at a cost on $690.00, from me. I think this is unacceptable and that I should be compensated for this amount. If this model needs to be recalled then it should be before someone gets hurt or killed. I will be writing the better business bureau also to file a complaint. I get my maintenance on this vehicle on a regular basis. I'm glad that I was not seriously hurt when this car stopped on the beltway. My car was repaired on july 16,2016, at anderson of hunt valley, 10125 york road, cockeysville md 21030. Phone # 410‑403‑1300. They did a great job in replacing the computer, now I need to be compensated for my $690.00. Thanking you in advance for your time and cooperation.sincerely [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 23, 2016 · Driver assistance · 121,000 miles · MA

The service stabili trac light keeps coming on I also had a 06 trailblazer same thing paid 300.00 to fix it and kept doing it.

Filed Feb 17, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 153,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the headlamps independently failed. In addition, when the fog lights were activated any other electrical system was in use, the vehicle would shut down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it could not be diagnosed; however, the mechanic stated that the bulb needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred more than ten times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2016 · Lights · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saab 9-7x. While driving at various speeds, the driver side headlights failed to illuminate. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v755000 (exterior lighting); however, the part for the recall was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2008 Saab 9-7X

Is the 2008 Saab 9-7X reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2008 Saab 9-7X, close to a typical 9-7X model year.

What is the 2008 Saab 9-7X year score?

The 2008 Saab 9-7X scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saab 9-7X: 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 2008 Saab 9-7X?

Lights, with 9 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles. Next is electrical (6).

How many recalls does the 2008 Saab 9-7X have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Saab 9-7X lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 15V519000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saab 9-7X have the most lights problems?

The Saab 9-7X model years with the most lights complaints are 2009 (12 complaints) and 2006 (11 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Saab 9-7X get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Saab 9-7X range from 13 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.

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