2002 Saab 9-5 Problems and Repair Histories
2002 Saab 9-5 problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Saab 9-5
2002 Saab 9-5s for which no 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 problem frequency.
For 2002 Saab 9-5 problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2002 Saab 9-5 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 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 California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 96700 | 3000 | transmission leaked was fixed then failed completely a week later |
| Mar | 2013 | 99000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 91000 | 0 | When sold needed AC work. Also needed front passenger seatbelt. |
| 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 |
| Nov | 2007 | 200 | Blown hydraulic hose to clutch - towed for repair. | |
| Mar | 2008 | 150 | Heater bypass valve | |
| Aug | 2008 | 1000 | Alternator died, battery 1 month later | |
| Feb | 2009 | 40 | Owner did PCV#6 fix | |
| Aug | 2009 | 91000 | 300 | Installed rear suspension shims to correct excessive camber. Sticking rear brake caliper. Shop insisted moaning sound was normal. Owner attempted repair. |
| 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. |
| Dec | 2010 | 122000 | 5 | Broken wheel bolt - noticed when rotating tires after oil change |
| Mar | 2011 | 128000 | 300 | Replaced 2 PVC hoses, replaced belt & idler pulley, along with routine 120k service |
| Jun | 2011 | 133000 | 3000 | Replaced subframe bushings, 4 suspension dampers, swaybar links. Replaced 2 tailgate shocks, 1.25 hrs, $45 for parts |
| 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. Air distribution system faults |
| Feb | 2013 | 173000 | 140 | Replaced rear rotors and pads. Pads were okay, but rotors were scored & getting thin. Some braking noise. |
| 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 Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 94000 | 1080 | replaced front and rear struts, swaybar bushings, etc. to improve ride and handling 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Mar | 2013 | 129000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 107300 | 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 | 112500 | 15 | 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 | 115000 | 90 | Oil pressure sender failed - low pressure light did not illuminate as it should have. 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. | |
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 |
| Sep | 2003 | 0 | Purchased car used from Saab dealer. Dealer replaced self-leveling headlamp switch under warranty. | |
| 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. | |
| Oct | 2004 | 0 | Dealer replaced psgr mirror tilt switch under warranty. | |
| Jan | 2005 | 0 | Dealer replaced wood trim surround panel at transmission selector under warranty. | |
| Feb | 2005 | 0 | Dealer replaced coolant temperature sensor under warranty (second warranty replacement). | |
| May | 2005 | 0 | Dealer repaired broken seat belt buckle assembly under warranty. | |
| Jul | 2005 | 260 | Diagnose and repair pin in underdash connect which was causing erroneous brake failure light operation. | |
| Feb | 2006 | 70 | Replaced psgr side DLR (requires removal of entire headlamp assembly) | |
| 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. | |
| Oct | 2006 | 440 | Diagnose and replace shift lock solenoid (first replacement) | |
| Jul | 2007 | 70 | Replace drivers side DLR (requires removal of entire headlamp assembly) | |
| Jan | 2008 | 350 | Replaced theft siren assembly (alarm would go off unprovoked) (first replacement) | |
| 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. | |
| Dec | 2008 | 485 | Replaced failed rear shock absorbers (first replacement) | |
| 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) replaced front sway bar links (first time for this repair) |
| Feb | 2010 | 165000 | 225 | Replaced both Xenon headlamp bulbs. Refurbished hazy plastic headlamp lens panels to clear finish. |
| Mar | 2010 | 165000 | 2200 | rebuilt turbocharger assembly Replaced all chassis subframe bushings. 2 of 6 completely worn, the remainder were well on their way. |
| Apr | 2010 | 400 | Replaced warped front rotors. | |
| Jun | 2010 | 130 | Freon Recharge for A/C System | |
| Sep | 2010 | 185000 | 350 | Replaced worn gas struts on wagon hatch lid |
| May | 2011 | 202000 | 1190 | Blower fan inoperable. Replaced HVAC control unit, and underdash flap motor and linkage arm. |
| Sep | 2011 | 212000 | 1215 | Replaced timing belt and idler pulleys. Replaced torsion rod (links engine to frame). Replaced control arm bushings. |
| Nov | 2011 | 216000 | 1030 | In shop for rear pads & rotors. Also replaced alternator and serpentine belt tensioner (1st replacement for each). |
| 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 Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 154000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 167000 | 600 | pollution hose deteriorated and was replaced. Also windshield cracked in 30 below and was repaired. |
| Dec | 2010 | 179000 | 55 | Right front Tie rod end 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. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 184000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 190000 | 105 | Front passenger door window seal came dislodged and window came out of track. Power raise arm bent and roller broke. |
| Apr | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 161000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 171000 | 0 | Window roller, orange relay solder fix |
| Aug | 2010 | 175000 | 0 | RH, LH motor mounts. |
| Apr | 2011 | 188000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| 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 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 New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 105000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 108000 | 921 | One pulley (plastic wheel) of the accessory belt Alternator, mechanical(bearings). Misdiagnosed as idler pully |
| Oct | 2010 | 120000 | 420 | Right Front wheel bearing wore out. 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 | 108 | Oil pressure sending switch replaced. ...and replaced the water pump |
| Jun | 2011 | 128000 | 340 | Replaced Ignition Cassette |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| 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. |
| Oct | 2012 | 120900 | 0 | 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. |
| 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. | |
| Oct | 2006 | 0 | Loss of power again. Dealer had car two weeks again. Downloaded new software and replaced battery. | |
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; repair of blend doors and related stepper motor. |
| 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. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 140000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 143000 | 75 | refigerant leak. |
| Mar | 2011 | 147000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 89000 | 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 | 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 Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 98000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 115000 | 400 | Did tie rod ends - both sides. |
2002 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 185hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 127000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 129000 | 700 | Alternator Replaced |
| Jun | 2011 | 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 | 122000 | 350 | Change Fuel pump, bought from eBay |
| Mar | 2011 | 125000 | 165 | Change battery at Autozone |
| Jul | 2011 | 130000 | 150 | Changed rear brake pads and rotors |
| Aug | 2011 | 131000 | 350 | Change alternator |
| 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. | |
| Saab 9-5 in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 94000 | 856 | Rear rotors and pads replaced; 90K service performed |
| Nov | 2011 | 98000 | 300 | intermittent draining of battery. battery replaced twice within one month without solving problem |
Expert 2002 Saab 9-5 Repair Advice
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