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Research · Midsize Cars

2001 Saab 9-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 82 owner complaints for the 2001 Saab 9-5. Most complaints involve electrical system (47) and engine and engine cooling (17). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
19–22mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2007
Owner complaints
82
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Mar 7, 2007NHTSA 07V087000

Electrical system: module

Remedy pending

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND 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.

Electrical systemReported Sep 14, 2005NHTSA 05V399000

Wheels: hub

Free remedy

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 AWAY RESULTING IN REDUCED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE WHEEL TO THE HUB. OVER SEVERAL SEASONS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS REDUCED FORCE COULD RESULT IN FRACTURES DEVELOPING IN THE WHEEL BOLTS DUE TO WHEEL TO HUB MOVEMENT.

WheelsReported Jan 13, 2003NHTSA 03V006000
See all 4 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

82 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2001 – Jan 2024
  1. Electrical system47
  2. Engine and engine cooling17
  3. Fuel system, gasoline14
  4. Wheels4
  5. Equipment2
  6. Tires1
  7. Service brakes, electric1
  8. Air bags1
  9. Fuel system, other1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 9-5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1999117
2000102
200182
200265
200349
200419
200511
200623
200717
200820
20092
20102
20119
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

47 reports4 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2015Electrical systemODI 10776576

Engine and engine cooling

17 reports
“THE FIRST TIME THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WAS IN MID OCTOBER 2006, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING. THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATION OF A PROBLEM (NOISE, VIBRATION, CHANGE IN HANDLING, ETC). THE OIL HAD RECENTLY BEEN CHANGED, BUT IT WAS RECHECKED AND TOPPED OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ANYWAY. EVERYTHING SEEMED GOOD FOR ABOUT 20 MIN WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME BACK ON DURING A TURN. I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE AIRPORT SO I PARKED THE CAR AND TOOK IT TO A SERVICE SHOP TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I RETURNED. IT WAS GIVEN AN OIL CHANGE AND AN OVERALL CHECK. THE OIL LIGHT DID NOT COME ON DURING THE TEST DRIVE. I DROVE IT HOME WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IN THE FIRST PLACE. IN EARLY 2007, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOO. EVERYTHING WAS CHECKED OVER AND NOTHING FOUND WRONG. EVEN THE SENSORS WERE WORKING FINE. FOR THE NEXT YEAR AND A HALF, THE OIL AND ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD GO ON AND OFF AT ODD INTERVALS ACCOMPANIED BY NO OTHER SIGNS. SOMETIMES THEY WOULD ONLY FLICKER ON AND OFF DURING A SHORT DRIVE AND OTHER TIMES THEY WOULD STAY ON FOR WEEKS AND THEN GOING OFF AGAIN FOR NO REASON. EACH TIME, THE OIL AND ENGINE WOULD BE LOOKED OVER AND…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2009Engine and engine coolingODI 10266149

Fuel system, gasoline

14 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE AND THE FUEL WAS BURNING MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DROP THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 122,500. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ UPDATED 03/05/12”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 8, 2011Fuel system, gasolineODI 10439001
All 2001 9-5 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Midsize Station Wagons
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
9-5
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E · Front-Wheel Drive
192822$2,850404
9-5
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E · Front-Wheel Drive
182721$2,950423
9-5
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive
192621$3,700423
9-5 Wagon
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E · Front-Wheel Drive
182621$2,950423
9-5 Wagon
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,100444
9-5 Wagon
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive
182420$3,850444
9-5
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive
172419$4,050468
9-5
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, B308E · Front-Wheel Drive
172419$4,050468
9-5 Wagon
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive
172319$4,050468
9-5 Wagon
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, B308E · Front-Wheel Drive
162419$4,050468
  • 9-5
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E
    19 city · 28 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E
    18 city · 27 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5 Wagon
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E
    18 city · 26 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5 Wagon
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235E
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5 Wagon
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R
    17 city · 24 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, B308E
    17 city · 24 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5 Wagon
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 9-5 Wagon
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, B308E
    16 city · 24 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Saab 9-5 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2001 9-5 questions

How many recalls does the 2001 Saab 9-5 have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2001 Saab 9-5 problems?

Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (47), engine and engine cooling (17), fuel system, gasoline (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2001 Saab 9-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Saab 9-5 at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026