1999 Saab 9-5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Saab 9-5: 2 recalls, 118 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #98V139000 · 1998 · 39,313 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. This does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: The vehicle occupant May not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
The fix: Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.
Wheels Vehicle recall #03V006000 · 2003 · 70,726 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, if an owner changes their wheels/tires between summer and winter using a steel wheel in the winter and an alloy wheel in the summer, it is possible for rust and contamination to build up on the wheel hub during the steel wheel usage. If this occurs and the contamination is not removed, it is possible that after the tire change service, some of this contamination could flake or grind…
Why it matters: These fractures would result in wheel bolt breakage, allowing the wheel to detach from the wheel hub, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners will be contacted by mail and asked whether they change between steel and alloy wheels. If they do engage in this practice, they will be instructed to bring their cars to an authorized dealer. The dealer will remove the wheels, clean any contamination from the wheel and wheel hub, and…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (70): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (31), fire / smoke (12), electrical failure (10).
- Engine & cooling (17): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), electrical failure (5), noise or vibration (5).
- Fuel system (8): the most common themes are warning light on (4), leaks (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (7): the most common themes are leaks (4), brake failure / soft pedal (3).
The 1999 Saab 9-5 has 118 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 14 9-5 model years for complaints (3.0× the average 9-5 year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (38 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (119 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Saab 9-5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Saab 9-5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Saab 9-5 problems?
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (70), engine & cooling (17), fuel system (8).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Saab 9-5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.