NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2004 Saab 9-5. Most complaints involve electrical system (13) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. I bought 3, one a Bosch branded model, and It has never restarted. Many other drivers complain in forums, like Saab Forums, that they are experiencing the same problems. As you know, stalling at highway speeds can cause death. Clearly the problems with the Saab motorcars, produced, owned, and sold through General Motors, are something that…”
“I HAVE OWNED A 2004 SAAB 9-5 SPORT COMBI WAGON SINCE 2006. TWICE, OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS (2011, 2014), MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH INCIDENT WHERE HE WAS THE DRIVER AND I WAS THE PASSENGER. IN BOTH INCIDENTS, I TURNED AROUND TO TALK TO MY DAUGHTER (2011) AND THEN DAUGHTERS (2014) AND INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WITH MY KNEE. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE CAR BY THE CONSOLE. IT ONLY TOOK A SLIGHT TAP OF MY KNEE AND MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING AT SPEEDS OF 75-80 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, BOTH TIMES MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, AND THE TWICE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,108.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-5 Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, LPT · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| 9-5 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| 9-5 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| 9-5 Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| 9-5 Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| 9-5 Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| 9-5 Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| 9-5 Wagon Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| 9-5 Wagon Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, B235R · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| 9-5 Wagon Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, LPT · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 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.
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (13), engine (2), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Saab 9-5 at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).