2003 Saab 9-5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Saab 9-5: 4 recalls, 47 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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…
Electrical Vehicle recall #06V410000 · 2006 · 5,078 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines May experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Why it matters: Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it May also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling May occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to January 2003. The recall is expected to begin during December 2005.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V087000 · 2007 · 94,377 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #08V160000 · 2008 · 57,389 vehicles
What's wrong: 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." during compliance testing, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirements.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants May occur.
The fix: Dealers will install a-pillar trim with improved energy-absorbing capability free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), warning light on (10), electrical failure (6).
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (2).
- Tires (5): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (5).
- Suspension (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2003 Saab 9-5 has 47 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 14 9-5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 40). Complaints peaked in 2009 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (65 complaints, 6 recalls), 2004 (19 complaints, 2 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 | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
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 2003 Saab 9-5.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Saab 9-5 problems?
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (25), engine & cooling (8), tires (5).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saab 9-5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 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.