MotorDeets

2006 Saab 9-5: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Saab 9-5: 2 recalls, 23 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
23owner complaints
0mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2006 Saab 9-5
Photo: Charles01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #16V063000 · 2016 · 113,716 vehicles

What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags13
Engine2
Electrical2
Exterior lights2
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Speed control / throttle1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Equipment1

What owners describe

The 2006 Saab 9-5 has 23 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 14 9-5 model years for complaints (well below the 40 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 52,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (11 complaints, 2 recalls), 2007 (17 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.3 L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182722Premium
2.3 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive162620Premium

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 2006 Saab 9-5.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2006 Saab 9-5 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2006 Saab 9-5 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Saab 9-5 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2006 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Saab 9-5 problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (13), engine (2), electrical (2).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Saab 9-5 get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 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.

Other 9-5 years

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