Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2009 Saab 9-7XRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2009 Saab 9-7X. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (12) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 13–16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
13–16mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Saab 9-7X as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2008 – Oct 2019
- Exterior lighting12
- Electrical system3
- Power train1
- Seats1
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 Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
12 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE HEADLAMPS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.”
Electrical system
3 reports1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROLS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL DID NOT WORK, INCLUDING THE DOOR LOCK AND SEAT HEATER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPPALINO BUICK GMC AT 716-650-4471 (LOCATED AT 5411 TRANSIT RD, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.”
Power train
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,300.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 4.2L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl · 6.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or 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 Oct 28, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-7X AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| 9-7X AWD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| 9-7X AWD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,950 | 684 |
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 13mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Saab 9-7X as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 5674
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.
2009 9-7X questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Saab 9-7X have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Saab 9-7X problems?
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (12), electrical system (3), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Saab 9-7X get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Saab 9-7X at 13–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026