2002 Saab 9-5 Saab 9-5 2002

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2002 Saab 9-5 repairs by problem area

Engine (51%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (10%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 163 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2002 Saab 9-5.

2002 Saab 9-5 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (37%)

< $100 (38%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 122 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2002 Saab 9-5

Engine not specified

Saab 9-5 in Florida, United States
Jul 2010 - Oct 2010
Oct 2010

91000 mi
When sold needed AC work. Also needed front passenger seatbelt. 
Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2010 - Nov 2011
Jul 2010

134000 mi
Car shows problem in muffler. There is a leakage at the joint. This makes the car too noisy. Mechanic said it would take him $300 to fix it. I am not sure how much it should cost. Mechanic inspected the car and said probably it is the catalytic converter which cost $2250/- plus labour, work sums up to $2700. Not sure if it is catalytic converter, although check engine light was on even before the muffler leakage. 
Nov 2011

135000 mi

US $450
Replaced the generic catalytic converter assembly which comes with attached muffler cost around $350. No sound, passed inspection, and car works smooth. 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2007 - Apr 2016
Nov 2007

US $200
Blown hydraulic hose to clutch - towed for repair. 
Mar 2008

US $150
Heater bypass valve 
Aug 2008

US $1000
Alternator died, battery 1 month later 
Feb 2009

US $40
Owner did PCV#6 fix 
Aug 2009

91000 mi

US $300
Installed rear suspension shims to correct excessive camber. Sticking rear brake caliper. Shop insisted moaning sound was normal. Owner attempted repair. 
Oct 2010

117800 mi

US $80
Replaced leaking heater control valve/coolant bypass valve in about 45 minutes. Used part for '01 Cadillac Catera from Advance Auto Parts. 
Dec 2010

122000 mi

US $5
Broken wheel bolt - noticed when rotating tires after oil change 
Mar 2011

128000 mi

US $300
Replaced 2 PCV hoses, replaced belt & idler pulley, along with routine 120k service 
Jun 2011

133000 mi

US $1500
Replaced subframe bushings, 4 suspension dampers, swaybar links. Replaced 2 tailgate shocks, 1.25 hrs, $45 for parts 
Aug 2011

136000 mi

US $60
Replaced turbo bypass valve. Check engine light, read OBD2 code as P1110 (vacuum leak), some small stuttering on acceleration. TBV would not hold vacuum, probably ruptured diapragm. 
Dec 2011

144000 mi

US $80
pinhole in heater hose, thermostat replaced, thermocouple replaced 
May 2012

155000 mi

US $320
Replaced DIC and spark plugs. Air distribution system faults 
Apr 2013

175000 mi

US $40
Replaced EVAP valve which was causing rough idle. 
Jul 2013

180000 mi

US $900
oil leak on right side of engine clogged valve on windshield washer system Replaced front sway-bar links (x2) 
Nov 2013

187000 mi

US $380
Replaced ruptured radiator hoses Replaced motor mount 
Dec 2013

189000 mi

US $55
Replaced leaking heater bypass valve. 
Mar 2014

193000 mi

US $100
Dragging left rear parking brake. Adjustment to the brake and lever by service shop but still drags. I attempted myself afterwards (loosen pads, lube adjustment mechanism), to no avail. Repair would involve cleaning and lubing pad retention. 
May 2014

196000 mi

US $68
ACC code 21, replaced recirculation motor with used unit 
Jun 2014

198000 mi

US $225
CEL. Replaced DIC and spark plugs. 
Sep 2014

202000 mi

US $35
Xenon bulb failure. Replaced both bulbs with aftermarket units. 
Feb 2016

229300 mi

US $608
replaced radiator 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2009 - Dec 2014
Sep 2009

94000 mi

US $80
Replaced accessory belt tensioner, two idler pulleys and belt. Reverted to original long belt design after dealer converted to short belt design which bypassed one idler. Addressed an NVH issue at idle. Had the SID display module in the dash rebuilt to address the common missing pixel problem. 
Jun 2010

102000 mi

US $900
Replaced front (only) brake pads, rotors, calipers and flushed brake fluid - first brake repair since new.  Suspected front wheel bearing(s) was bad and was right - noise is gone. Also lower ball joints and hub/bearing assembly. 
Jan 2011

107000 mi

US $50
replaced both LH and RH HID headlight bulbs, removed LH headlight assembly to removed broken bulb glass and to free up the high beam shutter mechanism, replaced turn signal bulbs while I was in there 
Jun 2013

135000 mi

US $300
Xmsn mount 
Jun 2014

155000 mi

US $700
replaced worn out transmission and engine mounts 4 wheel alignment, rear camber adjusted with shims replaced worn front sway bar links replaced in tank fuel pump replaced ignition cassette replaced cam cover gasket 
Jul 2014

156300 mi

US $40
Major repairs on under-dash HVAC unit. Replaced broken driver side blend door lever and disassembled and lubricated passenger side blend door system and air distribution system. Major pain in the neck and back (literally). Added 12 oz R134a. 
Nov 2014

163000 mi

US $60
replaced failed coolant temp sensor, replaced thermostat, flush and fill coolant 
Saab 9-5 in Ohio, United States
Jul 2009 - Sep 2016
Sep 2009

74000 mi

US $10
Leaking valve cover gasket was replaced. 
Jan 2010

76000 mi

US $800
Rear springs had taken a set, probably from overloading. This was a long standing affliction, first notice a few years ago during an alignment. I decided this was the time to restore the rear suspension. The thermostat needed to be replaced. 
Jul 2011

96000 mi

US $674
Air conditioning stopped being cold. Dealer found broken drier accumulator. Replaced part, refilled refrigerant, now it works fine. Dealer provided a loaner vehicle while mine was in the shop. 
May 2012

106600 mi

US $155
Driver's side temperature control lever for HVAC was cracked bc of a design flaw, causing the system to require frequent "calibration" to operate. If left unrepaired, more extensive damage is possible. 
Aug 2012

112700 mi
Subwoofer foam cone edge deteriorated. I obtained a repair cone edge and glued it in place. Window regulator roller broke, preventing the window from going up and down. Especially up. 
Nov 2012

114800 mi

US $90
Oil pressure sender failed - low pressure light did not illuminate as it should have. 
Aug 2013

120000 mi
CEL illuminated on dash, code showed turbocharger bypass valve problem. Found loose vacuum hose, replaced the hose. Needed to have the code reset to extinguish the light. False alarm. Computer reprogrammed to disable alarm module. 
Apr 2016

124200 mi

US $900
Motors that operate air control flaps failed. 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2003 - Dec 2012
Sep 2003

12500 mi
Purchased car used from Saab dealer. Dealer replaced self-leveling headlamp switch under warranty. 
Nov 2003

17600 mi
Dealer replaced coolant temperature sensor under warranty. 
Mar 2004

25300 mi
Dealer reprogrammed computer under warranty in response to a no-start condition. Car had to be towed to dealer. 
Oct 2004

36000 mi
Dealer replaced psgr mirror tilt switch under warranty. 
Jan 2005

43500 mi
Dealer replaced wood trim surround panel at transmission selector under warranty. 
Feb 2005

45000 mi
Dealer replaced coolant temperature sensor under warranty (second warranty replacement). 
May 2005

49900 mi
Dealer repaired broken seat belt buckle assembly under warranty. 
Jul 2005

54500 mi

US $260
Diagnose and repair pin in underdash connect which was causing erroneous brake failure light operation. 
Feb 2006

68000 mi

US $70
Replaced psgr side DLR (requires removal of entire headlamp assembly) 
Mar 2006

72000 mi
Replaced 2 direct ignition (DI) cassettes. Car had to be towed. Eventually covered in 2007 by Saab recall for this problem. 
Apr 2006

73500 mi
Dealer replaced catalytic converter under warranty, to correct check engine light "on" condition. Failure due to prior failure of DI cassette, which was covered by Saab recall. 
Oct 2006

85000 mi

US $440
Diagnose and replace shift lock solenoid (first replacement) 
Jul 2007

78000 mi

US $70
Replace drivers side DLR (requires removal of entire headlamp assembly) 
Jan 2008

116000 mi

US $350
Replaced theft siren assembly (alarm would go off unprovoked) (first replacement) 
May 2008

123000 mi

US $800
Replaced failed fuel pump assembly (first time for this replacement). 
Jun 2008

129000 mi

US $250
Replaced crankshaft position sensor (first replacement) - the part is $80, buy and carry a spare in your car. This failure left us stranded during a driving vacation. Cost shown does not include towing, hotel, meals or rental car charges also incurred. 
Dec 2008

142000 mi

US $485
Replaced failed rear shock absorbers (first replacement) 
May 2009

152000 mi

US $495
Thermostat failed (first time for this repair). Replaced thermostat assembly, intake manifold gasket, temperature sensor and coolant. 
Aug 2009

157000 mi

US $1578
replaced engine mount and transmission mount (first replacement for both) in shop for transmission mount replacement - mechanic noticed a squealing timing belt idler bearing. replaced front sway bar links (first time for this repair) in shop for transmission mount replacement - mechanic noticed a squealing timing belt idler bearing. replaced engine mount and transmission mount (first replacement for both) replaced front sway bar links (first time for this repair) 
Feb 2010

168500 mi

US $225
Replaced both Xenon headlamp bulbs. Refurbished hazy plastic headlamp lens panels to clear finish. Replaced both Xenon headlamp bulbs. Refurbished hazy plastic headlamp lens panels to clear finish. 
Mar 2010

168700 mi

US $2200
Rebuilt and reinstalled turbocharger unit. Had been showing signs of wear (blue smoke at startup) for almost a year. Replaced all chassis subframe bushings. 2 of 6 completely worn, the remainder were well on their way. Replaced both Xenon headlamp bulbs. Refurbished hazy plastic headlamp lens panels to clear finish. rebuilt turbocharger assembly Replaced all chassis subframe bushings. 2 of 6 completely worn, the remainder were well on their way. 
Apr 2010

169500 mi

US $400
Replaced warped front rotors. 
Jun 2010

178000 mi

US $130
Freon Recharge for A/C System Freon Recharge for A/C System 
Sep 2010

184000 mi

US $350
Replaced worn gas struts on wagon hatch lid Replaced worn gas struts on wagon hatch lid 
May 2011

202000 mi

US $1190
Blower fan inoperable. Replaced HVAC control unit, and underdash flap motor and linkage arm. 
Sep 2011

212000 mi

US $1215
Replaced timing belt and idler pulleys.  Replaced torsion rod (links engine to frame).  Replaced control arm bushings. 
Nov 2011

216000 mi

US $1030
In shop for rear pads & rotors. Also replaced alternator and serpentine belt tensioner (1st replacement for each). 
Dec 2011

219000 mi

US $500
Replaced water pump 
Jan 2012

221000 mi

US $700
Plastic tank on radiator cracked. Replaced radiator & refilled coolant. 
Aug 2012

230500 mi

US $287
Replaces oxygen sensor in response to check engine light 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Jan 2019
Oct 2012

96300 mi

US $3000
transmission leaked was fixed then failed completely a week later 
Aug 2013

102000 mi

US $1300
Fuel pump replaced replaced thermostat 
Aug 2014

107300 mi

US $380
fix loose door handle charge AC 
Jul 2015

112300 mi

US $150
driver side window failed 
Sep 2015

114000 mi

US $1250
replace ignition cassette,  replace valve cover gaskets, replace oil sensor 
Jul 2017

118000 mi

US $1100
CPS,  cooling system,  oil leaks 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in New Hampshire, United States
Oct 2010 - Apr 2011
Jan 2011

190000 mi

US $105
passenger's door window fell off track and down into door Front passenger door window seal came dislodged and window came out of track. Power raise arm bent and roller broke. 
Saab 9-5 in Ohio, United States
Jul 2009 - Apr 2011
Dec 2009

167000 mi

US $300
pollution hose deteriorated and was replaced. Also windshield cracked in 30 below and was repaired. 
Dec 2010

179000 mi

US $55
Right front Tie rod end replaced 
Mar 2011

183000 mi

US $380
Oil clogged screen, piston rod knocking, possibly at main crankshaft bearing. Will not be repairing. Great car up until now. 
Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States
Jan 2010 - Jul 2014
Jun 2010

171000 mi
Window roller, orange relay solder fix 
Aug 2010

174400 mi
RH, LH motor mounts. 
Apr 2014

220000 mi

US $650
Bushings worn 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Texas, United States
- Oct 2006
Jul 2006

61500 mi
Wife took car to dealer because of intermittent power loss. Dealer downloaded updated software to ECM. 
Aug 2006

63570 mi
Took car back three days later with same loss of power issue. Dealer kept car 10 days, cleaned fuel injectors. 
Sep 2006

64500 mi
Took car back to dealer yet again because of loss of power. Dealer kept car two week, determined the ECM Saab sent was defective. Replaced ECM. 
Oct 2006

64500 mi
Loss of power again. Dealer had car two weeks again. Downloaded new software and replaced battery. 
Saab 9-5 in Alabama, United States
May 2012 - Oct 2012
Aug 2012

91200 mi
Computer lit fault codes for cylinders 1,2,3,4 misfiring. Replaced spark plugs with SAAB specification. Misfire codes returned after a week of driving. Further analysis indicates failing direct ignition cassette. Not affecting driving 
Oct 2012

92000 mi
Failing direct ignition cassette. 
Saab 9-5 in New York, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2012
May 2011

112000 mi

US $100
heater bypass valve leaking fluid 
Saab 9-5 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2009 - Jul 2011
Jan 2010

108000 mi

US $10
One pulley (plastic wheel) of the accessory belt Alternator, mechanical(bearings). Misdiagnosed as idler pully 
Oct 2010

120000 mi

US $160
Right Front wheel bearing wore out. Replaced PCV hoses with updated hoses. Commonly called PCV #6. 
Jan 2011

123000 mi

US $56
Turbo-bypass valve (aka "Hooter" valve) replaced. Also replaced a vacuum hose. 
Mar 2011

123000 mi

US $18
Oil pressure sending switch replaced. ...and replaced the water pump 
Jun 2011

128000 mi

US $340
Replaced Ignition Cassette 
Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Oct 2012
May 2010

95880 mi

C $360
check engine light..source of problem was intermittent functioning of engine temp gauge. replaced sensor. 
Aug 2011

106340 mi

C $75
Problem with heating gauge...Diagnosed Sensor problem and /or thermostat. Changed both and problem rectified. Took me about 2.5 hours. 
Oct 2012

120900 mi
No heat or A.C. because fan motor stopped working. It could be fan speed controller module or fan motor shot. Still have not fixed it. 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

214000 mi

US $69
Engine sputtered and malfunctioned, threw codes p106 and p107, MAP sensor. Replaced 2 vacuum hoses, good as new. 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2014 - Dec 2014
Feb 2014

66000 mi

US $300
Engine would stutter and check-engine light flash. Mechanic disassembled fuel injection system and cleaned injectors and rails 
Sep 2014

68000 mi

US $235
Crankshaft sensor failed and needed to be replaced 
Saab 9-5 in Indiana, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2014
Dec 2012

115000 mi

US $400
Did tie rod ends - both sides. 
Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States
Jul 2009 - Sep 2009
Aug 2009

74000 mi

US $1200
Coolant leak. Heater control valve and associated hoses replaced.  
Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States
May 2010 - May 2011
Mar 2011

89000 mi

US $300
Vehicle was was emitting a clunk when going into reverse - one clunk about every 3 or 4 times. Additionally, shifting wasn't very smooth at times. Mechanic changed fluid and switched the transmission control module to a more reliable 03. 
Apr 2011

90000 mi

US $110
Vehicle exhibited a moaning sound under moderate acceleration up hill. Power delivery gradually turned choppy. Started having problems starting. Main fuel computer is dead. Unique to exact car - not just to model. Awaiting results. The vehicle wouldn't start. It would turn over but that was it. I thought it was a fuel pump. It turned out to be a fuel computer that governs entire fuel system. Mechanic hacked computer as it is specific to this exact car! 
Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2014
Sep 2012

99000 mi

US $250
replaced the coolant bypass valve. 
Jan 2013

100000 mi

US $670
Leaking oil pressure switch; repair of blend doors and related stepper motor. 
Jan 2014

100000 mi
OIL LEAK FROM EITHER THE HEAD GASKET OR THE TIMING COVER. 
Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2010 - Mar 2011
May 2010

143000 mi

US $75
refigerant leak. 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2016
Apr 2016

230700 mi

US $3000
throttle body, DIC, turbocharger, sludge, oil pressure, catalytic converter 
Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

129000 mi

US $700
Alternator Replaced Alternator Replaced 

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2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Michigan, United States
Oct 2010 - Sep 2012
Feb 2011

123000 mi

US $350
Change Fuel pump, bought from eBay Change Fuel pump, bought from eBay 
Mar 2011

124000 mi

US $165
Change battery at Autozone 
Aug 2011

131000 mi

US $350
Change alternator 
Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011

98000 mi

US $300
intermittent draining of battery. battery replaced twice within one month without solving problem 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
May 2012 - Sep 2013
Oct 2012

141300 mi

US $450
Replace DIC (Direct ignition cassette), crankshaft sensor, water pump, belt, pulley 
Saab 9-5 in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

160000 mi

US $2500
Transmission overheated on January 24th. This was after a week of below freezing temperatures. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.

2002 Saab 9-5 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2002 Saab 9-5 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.