Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Saab 9-5. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT/FMVSS 201
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
FUEL PUMP
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
- Consequence
- 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.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (11)
11 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 2 | 18.2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 18.2% |
| Equipment | 2 | 18.2% |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 18.2% |
| Suspension | 2 | 18.2% |
| Engine | 1 | 9.1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 9.1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 9.1% |
| Power train | 1 | 9.1% |
| Structure | 1 | 9.1% |
How 2005 compares with other 9-5 years
Best and worst 9-5 years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 104 | 4 |
| 2002 | 65 | 6 |
| 2003 | 47 | 4 |
| 2004 | 19 | 2 |
| 2005 | 11 | 2 |
| 2006 | 23 | 2 |
| 2007 | 17 | 2 |
| 2008 | 20 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,900
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 423 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2005 9-5 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2005 Saab 9-5 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2005 Saab 9-5 have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 08V160000 (seat), 07V087000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2005 Saab 9-5 problems?
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (2), Electrical system (2), Equipment (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2005 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 18 city, 28 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2005 9-5 compare with other years?
Among the 2001–2010 Saab 9-5 model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 2001 the most (104). The 2005 drew 11. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.