2002 Saab 9-5 Engine Problems and Repair Histories
2002 Saab 9-5 Engine problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2002 Saab 9-5 problems
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Saab 9-5
2002 Saab 9-5s for which no Engine problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2002 Saab 9-5 problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car Engine problem frequency.
For 2002 Saab 9-5 Engine problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2002 Saab 9-5 Engine problems and repair histories that follow it.
Saab 9-5 Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2002 | Saab 9-5 | 14 9-5s, 9.9 months of data per 9-5, average 132200 miles Small sample size. Join or 14 9-5s, 9.9 months of data per 9-5, average 132200 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2002 Saab 9-5 Engine problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2002 Saab 9-5
Engine not specified
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 133000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 134000 | 0 | 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 | 450 | Replaced the generic catalytic converter assembly which comes with attached muffler cost around $350. No sound, passed inspection, and car works smooth. |
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 150 | Heater bypass valve | |
| Feb | 2009 | 40 | Owner did PCV#6 fix | |
| Oct | 2010 | 118700 | 80 | Replaced leaking heater control valve/coolant bypass valve in about 45 minutes. Used part for '01 Cadillac Catera from Advance Auto Parts. |
| Mar | 2011 | 128000 | 300 | Replaced 2 PVC hoses, replaced belt & idler pulley, along with routine 120k service |
| Aug | 2011 | 136000 | 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 | 80 | pinhole in heater hose, thermostat replaced, thermocouple replaced |
| May | 2012 | 155000 | 320 | Replaced DIC and spark plugs. |
| Apr | 2013 | 175000 | 40 | Replaced EVAP valve which was causing rough idle. |
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 73000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 74000 | 10 | Leaking valve cover gasket was replaced. |
| Jan | 2010 | 76000 | 800 | The thermostat needed to be replaced. |
| Nov | 2012 | 115000 | 90 | Replaced water pump, thermostat, and temperature sensor pro-actively, based on age and mileage. Turned out that the pump actually was at the earliest stage of detectable failure. Replaced fuel pump (and filter) pro-actively, based on age and mileage to ensure reliability. |
| Mar | 2013 | 119000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 94000 | 1000 | 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. |
| Mar | 2013 | 129000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 200hp 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2003 | 0 | Dealer replaced coolant temperature sensor under warranty. | |
| Mar | 2004 | 0 | Dealer reprogrammed computer under warranty in response to a no-start condition. Car had to be towed to dealer. | |
| Feb | 2005 | 0 | Dealer replaced coolant temperature sensor under warranty (second warranty replacement). | |
| Mar | 2006 | 0 | Replaced 2 direct ignition (DI) cassettes. Car had to be towed. Eventually covered in 2007 by Saab recall for this problem. | |
| Apr | 2006 | 0 | 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. | |
| May | 2008 | 800 | Replaced failed fuel pump assembly (first time for this replacement). | |
| Jun | 2008 | 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. | |
| May | 2009 | 495 | Thermostat failed (first time for this repair). Replaced thermostat assembly, intake manifold gasket, temperature sensor and coolant. | |
| Aug | 2009 | 157500 | 1578 | in shop for transmission mount replacement - mechanic noticed a squealing timing belt idler bearing. replaced engine mount and transmission mount (first replacement for both) |
| Mar | 2010 | 169800 | 2200 | rebuilt turbocharger assembly |
| Sep | 2011 | 212000 | 1215 | Replaced timing belt and idler pulleys. Replaced torsion rod (links engine to frame). |
| Dec | 2011 | 219000 | 500 | Replaced water pump |
| Jan | 2012 | 221000 | 700 | Plastic tank on radiator cracked. Replaced radiator & refilled coolant. |
| Aug | 2012 | 231500 | 287 | Replaces oxygen sensor in response to check engine light |
| Dec | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 161000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 175000 | 0 | RH, LH motor mounts. |
| Apr | 2011 | 188000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 154000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 167000 | 300 | pollution hose deteriorated and was replaced. |
| Mar | 2011 | 183000 | 380 | Oil clogged screen, piston rod knocking, possibly at main crankshaft bearing. Will not be repairing. Great car up until now. |
| Apr | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 93620 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 96280 | 360 | check engine light..source of problem was intermittent functioning of engine temp gauge. replaced sensor. |
| Aug | 2011 | 107240 | 75 | Problem with heating gauge...Diagnosed Sensor problem and /or thermostat. Changed both and problem rectified. Took me about 2.5 hours. |
| Sep | 2012 | 120900 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 111000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 112000 | 100 | heater bypass valve leaking fluid |
| Sep | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | Wife took car to dealer because of intermittent power loss. Dealer downloaded updated software to ECM. | |
| Aug | 2006 | 0 | Took car back three days later with same loss of power issue. Dealer kept car 10 days, cleaned fuel injectors. | |
| Sep | 2006 | 0 | 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. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 91500 | 0 | 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 | 0 | Failing direct ignition cassette. |
| Saab 9-5 in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 105000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 108000 | 10 | One pulley (plastic wheel) of the accessory belt |
| Oct | 2010 | 120000 | 260 | Replaced PCV hoses with updated hoses. Commonly called PCV #6. |
| Jan | 2011 | 123000 | 56 | Turbo-bypass valve (aka "Hooter" valve) replaced. Also replaced a vacuum hose. |
| Mar | 2011 | 123000 | 90 | ...and replaced the water pump |
| Jun | 2011 | 128000 | 340 | Replaced Ignition Cassette |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 99000 | 250 | replaced the coolant bypass valve. |
| Jan | 2013 | 100000 | 670 | Leaking oil pressure switch; |
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 90000 | 1110 | 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! |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 73000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 74000 | 1200 | Coolant leak. Heater control valve and associated hoses replaced. |
| Sep | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 117000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 124000 | 0 | Change Fuel pump, bought from eBay |
| Sep | 2012 | 141000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 136000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 141700 | 450 | Replace DIC (Direct ignition cassette), crankshaft sensor, water pump, belt, pulley |
| Apr | 2013 | 145000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2002 Saab 9-5 Repair Advice
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