NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2005 Saab 9-5. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 20–21 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 WAS INVOLVED WITH IN AN ACCIDENT ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 14TH, 2012. I WAS RETURNING TO WORK ON MY LUNCH BREAK AND A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT, PULLING OUT INFRONT OF ME, AND I ENDED UP T-BONING HER GOING ROUGHLY 45MPH. I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED IN SUCH A SEVERE HEAD ON COLLISION. THE CAR HAS BEEN SEEN BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY DECIDED TO TOTAL THE VEHICLE. IN SUCH A VIOLENT ACCIDENT I WOULD EXPECT THE AIR BAGS TO BE DEPLOYED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ACCIDENT WAS A FRONT ON COLLISION THAT TOTALED MY SAAB. I WAS TAKEN TO THE ER BECAUSE I HIT MY HEAD ON THE A FRAME AND HAD MAJOR BACK AND NECK PAIN. THIS PROBLEM ABOUT THE AIR BAGS NOT GOING OFF NEEDS TO BE KNOWN, AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS VEHICLE DID NOT MEET THE BASIC STANDARDS FOR SAFETY IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. *TR”
“RUNNING LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF, EVEN AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN. *JS”
“BECAUSE OF IMPROPER DESIGN, REAR WIRE HARNESS FOR REVERSE LIGHTS ARE BEING SEVERED CAUSING THE REVERSING LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. THIS SAME DESIGN FLAW CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND ELECTRONIC TRUNK RELEASE/LOCK. *TR”
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 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| 9-5 Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| 9-5 Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| 9-5 Wagon Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,850 | 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 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), electrical system (2), exterior lighting (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Saab 9-5 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).