Research · Midsize Cars
2011 Saab 9-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2011 Saab 9-5. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (5) and service brakes (2). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20–24mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
9
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Saab 9-5 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
9 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2013 – Dec 2018
- Exterior lighting5
- Service brakes2
- Structure1
- Air bags1
- Steering1
- Power train1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
5 reports
“PREMATURE WEAR (BURN-OUT) OF THE HALOGEN-STYLE LIGHT BULBS IN EACH OF THE REAR TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHTS (THE HALOGEN LIGHTS SERVE AS BOTH A TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT). THE HALOGEN LIGHTS APPEAR TO BURN OUT EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. THE BULBS ARE CREATING EXCESSIVE HEAT WITHIN THE LIGHT HOUSING AND MELTING/FUSING TO THE PLASTIC HOUSING. I BELIEVE THIS IS POTENTIALLY A FIRE RISK. THERE IS PREMATURE RUST FORMING ON THE TRUNK LID ASWELL.”
Service brakes
2 reports
“MY 2011 SAAB 9-5 IS CURRENTLY IN THE SAAB REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKE PEDAL REPLACED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS PROPER POSITION AND WAS LOCKING THE BRAKES ON AND ALSO LOCKING THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON. IT FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS HOLDING IT BACK. IN MY CASE I RUINED THE BRAKE ROTORS AND DISCS AS THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED. THIS COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE AND MADE THE CAR HARD TO HANDLE AND OF COURSE REDUCED THE PROPER BRAKING ABILITY. GM SHOULD PUT OUT AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL CASES LIKE MINE. IT TOOK A LONG TIME FOR ME TO BE AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. MOSTLY IN HOT AND HUMID WEATHER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE FIXED RIGHT AWAY. GM SAFETY RECALL NEEDED NOW! CONTACT SAAB IM AUTOHAUS, 551 N WASHINGTON ST, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046, AT (703) 534-0770, FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.”
Structure
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular 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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-5 Sedan Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 32 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| 9-5 Sedan Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| 9-5 Sedan AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.8 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Saab 9-5 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2011 9-5 questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Saab 9-5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Saab 9-5 problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (5), service brakes (2), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Saab 9-5 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Saab 9-5 at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026