2003 Saab 9-5 Saab 9-5 2003

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2003 Saab 9-5 repairs by problem area

Engine (48%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (11%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 172 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-5.

2003 Saab 9-5 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (46%)

< $100 (24%)

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

Chart based on 138 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Saab 9-5

Engine not specified

Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Dec 2011

73000 mi

US $100
Temp sensor and thermostat went bad. replaced both. 
Saab 9-5 in Wyoming, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

124000 mi
The rear shock absorbers were worn out and leaking. I pesonally replaces both shocks and the repair was successful 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States
Aug 2012 - Jun 2014
Oct 2012

129500 mi

US $579
Oil dripping onto exhaust pipe, replaced oil pressure sending unit($60)  Post-Purchase inspection + also replaced wear items: 2 OEM hood support struts And installed 2 new Bilstein rear struts. ($519) Total Parts+Labor = $579.00 (Good Indy!) 
Aug 2013

135000 mi

US $110
Replaced failed heater bypass valve, rest of cooling system checked out OK, 
Dec 2013

139000 mi

US $610
Replaced water pump due to very slow drip. (less than 8oz/year) 
Saab 9-5 in Netherlands
May 2007 - Jun 2018
Feb 2007

29760 mi

€100
SID repaired 
Apr 2007

31000 mi

€225
change orange relay 
Feb 2008

39097 mi

€590
xenon bulb & 2 parking sensors 
Apr 2008

42333 mi

€548
replace airconditioning condensor 
Jul 2008

49600 mi

€350
Bypass valve while on holiday in Italy 
Aug 2008

49431 mi

€248
oil change, check bypass valve, update transmission software 
Oct 2008

50956 mi

€80
replace thermostat 
Feb 2009

57412 mi

€350
Trunk lock motor 
Dec 2009

68820 mi

€150
Parking light had to be repaired by removing headlight assembly Removed alarm module after intermittent failure. Module was beyond repair. 
Jan 2010

70060 mi

€315
Direct Injection Cassette Replaced 
Apr 2010

73780 mi

€120
Neon Light leveler replaced 
Dec 2010

86180 mi

€350
Replaced fuel pump 
Jan 2011

112880 mi

€100
Replace PDC (park dintance control) sensor 
Aug 2011

97340 mi

€200
Replace TDC sensor 
Sep 2011

98580 mi

€450
Replace Brake Booster 
Dec 2011

103540 mi

€300
Repair leaking distribution oil gasket 
Feb 2012

104740 mi

€125
Replace Bypass Valve 
Jul 2012

108580 mi

€250
Airco leaking O-ring replaced System refilled 
Sep 2012

112220 mi

€150
Replace intake hose beween intercooler and turbo Replace Hester valve 
Jan 2013

118420 mi

€80
Repair automatic mirrors. Repair interior lights. Rear window water nozzle. 
Jun 2014

135160 mi

€700
Replace rear wheel bearing 
Dec 2014

142600 mi

€975
Replace alternator, belt and pulleys, as well as major maintenance 
Nov 2015

152520 mi

€200
Replaced coolant bypass valve 
Jan 2018

173600 mi

€75
Replace Thermostat 
Feb 2018

177940 mi

€1500
New Timing Chain rolled in 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
May 2009 - Sep 2015
Jun 2009

34000 mi

US $200
Coolant bypass valve cracked, and dumped coolant. Battery light came on. Alternator failing. Replaced with reman unit. 
Aug 2010

40000 mi

US $1000
Air Mass Meter faulty. Replaced for $440 by independent Saab specialist A/c refigerant leaked out. Low pressure hose replaced and system recharged. Car still has a blend door or recirc motor issue, as car blows warmer air on driver's side. Leaving it alone for now. 
Jan 2012

39700 mi
P1230 code from the throttle body. Throttle body sensor. New throttle body was installed. Intercooler developed a crack in the plastic side casing. Hissing noise, but no loss of power or driveability. 
Feb 2013

50200 mi

US $373
Front wheel bearings/hub replaced due to whirring noise. Original parts, over 10 years old. 
May 2013

50600 mi

US $1000
Engine and transmission mounts,  serpentine belt, and idler pulley replaced. All preventative maintenance, and to eliminate wearing parts. 
May 2014

54300 mi

US $800
AC was overcharged....cleaned out and refilled with proper amount of r134a 
Jun 2015

57000 mi

US $1000
Horn contact ring and crash sensors in the front bumper. Replaced ring, new adaptor cable and one front sensor 
Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2016 - Jul 2022
Oct 2016

98000 mi

US $524
Fuel pump stopped working. 
Mar 2017

101000 mi

US $98
Faulty engine temperature sensor was replaced. 
Apr 2017

103000 mi
Disassembled and cleaned the mass air flow (MAF) sensor/screen with CRC MAF cleaner. Took about 40 minutes, and I had the CRC cleaner on hand, so at no cost. Resulted in noticeably better engine performance and gas mileage. I won't wait 14 years to clean the MAF again. 
Jul 2022

127700 mi
Wiring problem, blower fan. A/C system recharge. 
Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States
- Nov 2008
Jun 2008

65000 mi

US $250
Replaced direct ignition module. Parts costs only. 
Jul 2008

70000 mi

US $200
Replaced failing throttle body with rebuilt unit. I installed, so cost is part only. 
Aug 2008

75000 mi

US $150
Replaced coolant bypass valve 
Sep 2008

78000 mi

US $150
Replaced crankshaft position sensor 
Nov 2008

81000 mi

US $100
Replaced thermostat 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 3.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States
Nov 2013 - Jun 2022
Dec 2013

88000 mi

US $350
Needed Ignition Coil replacement 
Nov 2014

100000 mi

US $2300
Thermostat Bushings Vacuum booster 
Dec 2014

101000 mi

US $400
Crank position sensor 
Sep 2015

103000 mi

US $90
New muffler 
Jul 2021

107000 mi

US $300
Evacuate and recharge A/C 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in West Virginia, United States
Jan 2004 - Mar 2015
May 2004

4001 mi
Replaced AC valve and refrigerant. Replaced under warranty at no cost. 
Oct 2007

23775 mi

US $337
Reset compass to correct zone ($40). Replaced broken cup holder ($195). Corrected thrust alignment ($80). Under warranty repaired fuel pump retaining tabs. 
May 2010

38720 mi

US $325
Would crank intermittently on turning key. Garage replaced starter board. Problem persisted. Personally jiggled & sprayed all under hood connections/fuses with WD40. SOLVED PROBLEM! 
Oct 2011

46837 mi

US $156
Noticed bluish smoke from exhaust on starting. Worsened over next five months. Replaced crank case vent kit ($55) with latest version. 
Feb 2013

52853 mi

US $2037
Engine, transmission, and subframe mounts. Front mail seal, oil pump o-ring, oil pressure sensor. Replaced theft alarm with a rebuilt unit. Replaced engine mount RH Replaced front main seal Replaced oil pressure sensor Replaced oil pump O-ring Replaced rear subframe mount bushing Replaced theft alarm with a rebuilt unit. 
Oct 2013

55300 mi

US $313
Replaced heater control valve ($191), upper heater core hose ($40), and upper radiator how item 51 93 362 ($15). Last two preventive. Replaced H7 & headlight bulb ($14). Mechanic suggested replacing the RHC CV Shaft(front right) but the part was not available. 
Dec 2013

57000 mi
Engine Light Alarm: Fault Code P0116 Engine Temperature Circuit Range/Perform. Erased this fault with new code reader and the fault did return upon restarting. 
May 2014

58000 mi
THEFT ALARM: Disconnected unit to stop random alerts. Reprogrammed the alarm system to cause mild horn beep upon entry with key. 
Aug 2014

59900 mi

US $240
Noise from front of exhaust pipe. Local shop bought a short pipe section and bent it to fit avoiding expensive part purchase. 
Mar 2015

62000 mi
No response to turning ignition key (battery & starter OK). An annoying intermittent problem now apparently permanent, I have parted with this my last in a 48 year span of owning SAABs. I replaced it with VW SportsWagen. 
Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States
Feb 2013 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

145000 mi

US $200
Sway bar links replaced 3 of 4 Engine mounts replaced. 
Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States
Apr 2013 - Jun 2015
Sep 2014

101000 mi
Headlight and tail light out. Oddly enough, it was the bulbs! In a Saab it's usually the headlamp control relay that broke solder traces. 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
Sep 2009 - Feb 2017
Dec 2011

100000 mi

US $80
check engine light on for low fuel condition 
Dec 2014

112000 mi

US $1100
radio information display failed, shop removed printed circuit board under display, sent out for repair and reinstalled. 
Sep 2016

126000 mi

US $300
alpha numeric display panel for radio failed shop removed panel and sent out for repair, then reinstalled it one week later 
Saab 9-5 in New Hampshire, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2018
May 2015

137000 mi

US $900
Replaced bushings in rear suspension Repaired both doglegs as rust was serious. 
May 2016

142000 mi

US $300
Torn CV Joint cover 
Jun 2016

143000 mi

US $71
Leak in power steering hose. 
Aug 2016

143300 mi

US $650
Replaced alternator 
Apr 2017

145000 mi

US $857
Front and Back Exhaust Mufflers Front Brake Pads 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada
May 2009 - Oct 2014
Jun 2009

70060 mi

C $180
A/C had small leak and needed to be repaired. 
Sep 2012

111600 mi
New battery needed. 
Oct 2014

139500 mi

C $2500
Clutch was worn. 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Alabama, United States
May 2018 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

80000 mi

US $420
Noisy rear hubs. Replaced both sides. $125. Replaced AC recirculation motor. Replaced cabin air filter. $180. Replaced both front hubs due to noise. $100 
May 2019

84000 mi

US $150
Replaced voltage regulator 
Jul 2019

90 mi

US $45
Replaced mass air flow sensor. No symptoms on removed unit. 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2015
May 2012

115000 mi

US $200
Fuel pump failure 
Feb 2013

118500 mi

US $50
window rollers in passenger window broken, window stuck in down position X2 plastic rollers replaced 
Aug 2013

121000 mi

US $150
alternator pulley loose had to replace alternator 
Jan 2014

118800 mi

US $100
Xenon Headlights pricey mothers 100 buckaroos fer two bulbs Ouch ouch ouch 
Jun 2014

129000 mi

US $50
replaced all corner blinker 3rd brake lights lic plate light many were burned out or near had to find special euro bulbs hassel 
Jan 2015

126800 mi

US $500
this car is junk. bad transmission hard downshifts, leaking trans fluid from cooler.  leaking oil, a lot of motor oil. brake booster failing (No Brakes sometimes!) needs brake discs. needs. shocks struts. maybe just give this thing to a junk yard. 
Saab 9-5 in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2011 - Oct 2012
Nov 2011

83000 mi
Valve cover gasket replaced, engine degreased 
May 2012

89300 mi

US $225
ABS ECU failed. Brake, Trac Off, ABS and center warning light illuminated on dash, speedometer was intermittent. Bought rebuilt ABS ECU from local Saab mechanic, installed myself in about 1 hour 
Sep 2012

91000 mi

US $20
Rebuilt ABS ECU I purchased from local mechanic wasn't working so I sent my original unit in for repair by BBA Reman. I reinstalled my repaired unit which also does not work. But the fault codes are different from each unit. ABS ECU still not working. Replaced valve body, still not fixed. Sent units to BBA for warranty work. Determined that they could not be fixed. Don't know what to do now 
Oct 2012

91000 mi
ABS ECU still not fixed, sold as is and gave discount to buyer. Could not find a working ABS ECU or get one repaired. In the end I was so frustrated that I gave up. 
Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

77500 mi

C $60
another burnt out headlight bulb Engine light turns on frequently now with three trouble codes. 2 for misfire 1234 cyl. and cam position sensor which doesn't exist. DIC system is on its way out. Bought OBD2 for my laptop to monitor car. 
Dec 2010

77500 mi

C $10
Blower fan quit working. Bought GM surplus motor, modified by cutting out motor mount plate to blow air both directions, fan cage fits perft.With proper tools took 4 HRS total and $10.00 New surplus part from princess auto. Working fine. 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011

43000 mi

US $375
Replaced Direct Ignition Cassette and installed new spark plugs 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

135000 mi

US $400
Ignition switch repaired 
Mar 2010

137000 mi

US $500
Water pump and thermostat replaced  
Apr 2010

137000 mi

US $60
rear power window was not working. 
Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2009 - Jan 2010
Aug 2009

103000 mi
Alternator failed; froze up, car was not driveable. Alternator replaced. 
Saab 9-5 in New York, United States
May 2009 - Nov 2011
Jul 2009

180000 mi

US $300
DI Cassette failed, was able to drive home though (car sputtering). Replaced DI and plugs, problem eliminated. 
Oct 2009

183000 mi

US $250
Engine would not warm up fully, followed by check engine light -- thermostat & coolant temp sensor replaced. Only needed thermostat, but I requested replacement of CTS as well. 
Oct 2010

194000 mi

US $250
Engine mount shot. Replaced. 
Nov 2010

195000 mi

US $450
Drivetrain felt "loose" and was clunking. Replaced transmission mounts and main motor mount. Will have to bring back for last mount in back. 
Mar 2011

200000 mi

US $550
Horrible noise coming from engine when near idle. Was determined to be alternator bearings failing. Unit replaced with reman Bosch unit and all is well. Was getting a clunk at takeoff or when shifting into 2nd gear, also when starting the car. I suspected subframe bushings and took into dealer to be checked. They verified and replaced them. I suppose this is technically a wear item @200K. 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 3.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in Ohio, United States
- Jun 2005
Mar 2005

46000 mi

US $200
clogged injection system 
Apr 2005

47000 mi

US $500
cracked motor mounts 
May 2005

48000 mi

US $800
faulty direct ignition system 
Jun 2005

49000 mi

US $1200
broken fuel pump. car had to be towed. 
Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Jun 2011

74000 mi

US $500
Check engine light catalytic converter; replaced both Oxygen sensors Relubed sway bar bushings at no cost (done one year ago for $100; car still creaks and groans over bumps, but less so; dealer estimates $2500 worth of suspension work to address; offered to fix at half retail of $1250; Declined at this time 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-5 in California, United States
May 2009 - Apr 2010
Jun 2009

99000 mi

US $250
oil leak in turbo 
Sep 2009

99000 mi
trunk would not open. electrical cable wires broken. Re-spliced wires  
Nov 2009

102100 mi

US $65
front right headlight went out 
Mar 2010

110000 mi

US $1000
fuel pump failed on highway 
Saab 9-5 in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2016 - Dec 2017
Nov 2017

110360 mi

C $5000
blew radiator replaced radiator plus all coolant hose 
Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States
Jan 2012 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

72000 mi

US $72000
Needed to re-attach some trim 
Saab 9-5 in California, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2018
Sep 2015

133000 mi

US $500
Direct Ignition Cassette - replaced 
Jul 2016

147800 mi

US $294
Crank Sensor replaced 
Dec 2016

157000 mi

US $850
Battery charging problem. Checked, found bad alternator. Replaced it. 
Mar 2017

161000 mi

US $290
Crank shaft position sensor replaced 
Aug 2017

169000 mi

US $111
Radiator, replaced PCV Check Valve, replaced 
Sep 2017

169000 mi

US $740
Front frame bushings, replaced 
Jan 2018

177000 mi

US $516
Oil sending unit replaced Fuel pump replaced 
Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2013 - Jan 2014
Jun 2013

172000 mi
Hole in radiator and got a new valve 
Jan 2014 lost compression in 2 cylnders 
Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States
May 2009 - Jun 2011
Jun 2009

117000 mi

US $800
Shocks leaking, replaced all shocks, struts and springs 
Jul 2009

117000 mi

US $1000
car died at 70 MPH in passing lane, towed to dealer who replaced throttle body module. repair successful 
Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2011 - Aug 2015
Apr 2012

132680 mi

C $300
The front left hub needed to be replaced due to high-pitched whine. The PCV valve needed to be replaced - only cost $17 (changed this part myself). 
Dec 2012

140120 mi

C $20
Thermostat failed (12 yrs old). Easy & cheap replacement for $20 part. 
Jan 2014

150960 mi

C $1100
Due to -25c weather, the drivers side window broke when attempting to open (frozen). Window not repaired at this time. Exhaust rusted - replaced exhaust from cat-back with an after-market stainless performance model.  Front Right Tie-rod replaced. Front Left Sway Bar Bushing replaced. 
Mar 2014

152520 mi

C $350
Rear right strut failed - replaced both.  No heat, temperature gauge reads low. Appears the thermostat replaced just over one year ago has failed. The part was NOT an OEM part. One headlight bulb failed - replaced both. 
Apr 2014

152920 mi

C $10
Drivers side window rollers broken when a attempt to roll down window @ -25c. 
Jan 2015

152660 mi
One fuel tank strap broke due to rust. I ordered 2 new ones at a cost of $130cdn + HST and had them installed (one hour labor cost added). The car is an "Ottawa" car and salt is used on the roads (when needed) during the winter months. 
Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2011
Aug 2009

41000 mi

US $200
Fuel management module was faulty - killing gas mileage 
Oct 2009

42000 mi
Rear backup sensor wiring harness failed. Not big - not uncommon, easy fix 

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2003 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States
May 2009 - Apr 2010
Dec 2009

90000 mi

US $500
check engine light on, diagnosed as bad direct ignition cassette, replacement of direct ignition cassette solved problem. DI cassette in car was original. trunk release inoperable, some tail lights inoperable. Replaced faulty trunk lid wiring harness.  
Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2016 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

158000 mi

US $182
ABS Module malfunctioned and needed to be rebuilt. 

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2003 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 2003 Saab 9-5 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.