| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
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.
2003 Saab 9-5 repair cost distribution
$2500+ (2%)
$1000 - $2499 (10%)
$500 - $999 (18%)
$100 - $499 (46%)
< $100 (24%)
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 201173000 miUS $100 | Temp sensor and thermostat went bad. replaced both. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Wyoming, United States Jul 2010 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Aug 2010124000 mi | The rear shock absorbers were worn out and leaking. I pesonally replaces both shocks and the repair was successful | ||
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 2012129500 miUS $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 2013135000 miUS $110 | Replaced failed heater bypass valve, rest of cooling system checked out OK, | ||
| Dec 2013139000 miUS $610 | Replaced water pump due to very slow drip. (less than 8oz/year) | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Netherlands May 2007 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Feb 200729760 mi€100 | SID repaired | ||
| Apr 200731000 mi€225 | change orange relay | ||
| Feb 200839097 mi€590 | xenon bulb & 2 parking sensors | ||
| Apr 200842333 mi€548 | replace airconditioning condensor | ||
| Jul 200849600 mi€350 | Bypass valve while on holiday in Italy | ||
| Aug 200849431 mi€248 | oil change, check bypass valve, update transmission software | ||
| Oct 200850956 mi€80 | replace thermostat | ||
| Feb 200957412 mi€350 | Trunk lock motor | ||
| Dec 200968820 mi€150 | Parking light had to be repaired by removing headlight assembly Removed alarm module after intermittent failure. Module was beyond repair. | ||
| Jan 201070060 mi€315 | Direct Injection Cassette Replaced | ||
| Apr 201073780 mi€120 | Neon Light leveler replaced | ||
| Dec 201086180 mi€350 | Replaced fuel pump | ||
| Jan 2011112880 mi€100 | Replace PDC (park dintance control) sensor | ||
| Aug 201197340 mi€200 | Replace TDC sensor | ||
| Sep 201198580 mi€450 | Replace Brake Booster | ||
| Dec 2011103540 mi€300 | Repair leaking distribution oil gasket | ||
| Feb 2012104740 mi€125 | Replace Bypass Valve | ||
| Jul 2012108580 mi€250 | Airco leaking O-ring replaced System refilled | ||
| Sep 2012112220 mi€150 | Replace intake hose beween intercooler and turbo Replace Hester valve | ||
| Jan 2013118420 mi€80 | Repair automatic mirrors. Repair interior lights. Rear window water nozzle. | ||
| Jun 2014135160 mi€700 | Replace rear wheel bearing | ||
| Dec 2014142600 mi€975 | Replace alternator, belt and pulleys, as well as major maintenance | ||
| Nov 2015152520 mi€200 | Replaced coolant bypass valve | ||
| Jan 2018173600 mi€75 | Replace Thermostat | ||
| Feb 2018177940 mi€1500 | New Timing Chain rolled in | ||
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States May 2009 - Sep 2015 | |||
| Jun 200934000 miUS $200 | Coolant bypass valve cracked, and dumped coolant. Battery light came on. Alternator failing. Replaced with reman unit. | ||
| Aug 201040000 miUS $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 201239700 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 201350200 miUS $373 | Front wheel bearings/hub replaced due to whirring noise. Original parts, over 10 years old. | ||
| May 201350600 miUS $1000 | Engine and transmission mounts, serpentine belt, and idler pulley replaced. All preventative maintenance, and to eliminate wearing parts. | ||
| May 201454300 miUS $800 | AC was overcharged....cleaned out and refilled with proper amount of r134a | ||
| Jun 201557000 miUS $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 201698000 miUS $524 | Fuel pump stopped working. | ||
| Mar 2017101000 miUS $98 | Faulty engine temperature sensor was replaced. | ||
| Apr 2017103000 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 2022127700 mi | Wiring problem, blower fan. A/C system recharge. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Georgia, United States - Nov 2008 | |||
| Jun 200865000 miUS $250 | Replaced direct ignition module. Parts costs only. | ||
| Jul 200870000 miUS $200 | Replaced failing throttle body with rebuilt unit. I installed, so cost is part only. | ||
| Aug 200875000 miUS $150 | Replaced coolant bypass valve | ||
| Sep 200878000 miUS $150 | Replaced crankshaft position sensor | ||
| Nov 200881000 miUS $100 | Replaced thermostat | ||
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 201388000 miUS $350 | Needed Ignition Coil replacement | ||
| Nov 2014100000 miUS $2300 | Thermostat Bushings Vacuum booster | ||
| Dec 2014101000 miUS $400 | Crank position sensor | ||
| Sep 2015103000 miUS $90 | New muffler | ||
| Jul 2021107000 miUS $300 | Evacuate and recharge A/C | ||
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 20044001 mi | Replaced AC valve and refrigerant. Replaced under warranty at no cost. | ||
| Oct 200723775 miUS $337 | Reset compass to correct zone ($40). Replaced broken cup holder ($195). Corrected thrust alignment ($80). Under warranty repaired fuel pump retaining tabs. | ||
| May 201038720 miUS $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 201146837 miUS $156 | Noticed bluish smoke from exhaust on starting. Worsened over next five months. Replaced crank case vent kit ($55) with latest version. | ||
| Feb 201352853 miUS $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 201355300 miUS $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 201357000 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 201458000 mi | THEFT ALARM: Disconnected unit to stop random alerts. Reprogrammed the alarm system to cause mild horn beep upon entry with key. | ||
| Aug 201459900 miUS $240 | Noise from front of exhaust pipe. Local shop bought a short pipe section and bent it to fit avoiding expensive part purchase. | ||
| Mar 201562000 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 2013145000 miUS $200 | Sway bar links replaced 3 of 4 Engine mounts replaced. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Oregon, United States Apr 2013 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Sep 2014101000 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 2011100000 miUS $80 | check engine light on for low fuel condition | ||
| Dec 2014112000 miUS $1100 | radio information display failed, shop removed printed circuit board under display, sent out for repair and reinstalled. | ||
| Sep 2016126000 miUS $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 2015137000 miUS $900 | Replaced bushings in rear suspension Repaired both doglegs as rust was serious. | ||
| May 2016142000 miUS $300 | Torn CV Joint cover | ||
| Jun 2016143000 miUS $71 | Leak in power steering hose. | ||
| Aug 2016143300 miUS $650 | Replaced alternator | ||
| Apr 2017145000 miUS $857 | Front and Back Exhaust Mufflers Front Brake Pads | ||
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 200970060 miC $180 | A/C had small leak and needed to be repaired. | ||
| Sep 2012111600 mi | New battery needed. | ||
| Oct 2014139500 miC $2500 | Clutch was worn. | ||
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 201880000 miUS $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 201984000 miUS $150 | Replaced voltage regulator | ||
| Jul 201990 miUS $45 | Replaced mass air flow sensor. No symptoms on removed unit. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States Apr 2012 - Jun 2015 | |||
| May 2012115000 miUS $200 | Fuel pump failure | ||
| Feb 2013118500 miUS $50 | window rollers in passenger window broken, window stuck in down position X2 plastic rollers replaced | ||
| Aug 2013121000 miUS $150 | alternator pulley loose had to replace alternator | ||
| Jan 2014118800 miUS $100 | Xenon Headlights pricey mothers 100 buckaroos fer two bulbs Ouch ouch ouch | ||
| Jun 2014129000 miUS $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 2015126800 miUS $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 201183000 mi | Valve cover gasket replaced, engine degreased | ||
| May 201289300 miUS $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 201291000 miUS $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 201291000 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 201077500 miC $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 201077500 miC $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 201143000 miUS $375 | Replaced Direct Ignition Cassette and installed new spark plugs | ||
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 2009135000 miUS $400 | Ignition switch repaired | ||
| Mar 2010137000 miUS $500 | Water pump and thermostat replaced | ||
| Apr 2010137000 miUS $60 | rear power window was not working. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Massachusetts, United States Jul 2009 - Jan 2010 | |||
| Aug 2009103000 mi | Alternator failed; froze up, car was not driveable. Alternator replaced. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in New York, United States May 2009 - Nov 2011 | |||
| Jul 2009180000 miUS $300 | DI Cassette failed, was able to drive home though (car sputtering). Replaced DI and plugs, problem eliminated. | ||
| Oct 2009183000 miUS $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 2010194000 miUS $250 | Engine mount shot. Replaced. | ||
| Nov 2010195000 miUS $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 2011200000 miUS $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. | ||
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 200546000 miUS $200 | clogged injection system | ||
| Apr 200547000 miUS $500 | cracked motor mounts | ||
| May 200548000 miUS $800 | faulty direct ignition system | ||
| Jun 200549000 miUS $1200 | broken fuel pump. car had to be towed. | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States Mar 2011 - Mar 2012 | |||
| Jun 201174000 miUS $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 | ||
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 200999000 miUS $250 | oil leak in turbo | ||
| Sep 200999000 mi | trunk would not open. electrical cable wires broken. Re-spliced wires | ||
| Nov 2009102100 miUS $65 | front right headlight went out | ||
| Mar 2010110000 miUS $1000 | fuel pump failed on highway | ||
| Saab 9-5 in British Columbia, Canada Dec 2016 - Dec 2017 | |||
| Nov 2017110360 miC $5000 | blew radiator replaced radiator plus all coolant hose | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Colorado, United States Jan 2012 - Feb 2012 | |||
| Feb 201272000 miUS $72000 | Needed to re-attach some trim | ||
| Saab 9-5 in California, United States Jun 2015 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Sep 2015133000 miUS $500 | Direct Ignition Cassette - replaced | ||
| Jul 2016147800 miUS $294 | Crank Sensor replaced | ||
| Dec 2016157000 miUS $850 | Battery charging problem. Checked, found bad alternator. Replaced it. | ||
| Mar 2017161000 miUS $290 | Crank shaft position sensor replaced | ||
| Aug 2017169000 miUS $111 | Radiator, replaced PCV Check Valve, replaced | ||
| Sep 2017169000 miUS $740 | Front frame bushings, replaced | ||
| Jan 2018177000 miUS $516 | Oil sending unit replaced Fuel pump replaced | ||
| Saab 9-5 in Pennsylvania, United States May 2013 - Jan 2014 | |||
| Jun 2013172000 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 2009117000 miUS $800 | Shocks leaking, replaced all shocks, struts and springs | ||
| Jul 2009117000 miUS $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 2012132680 miC $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 2012140120 miC $20 | Thermostat failed (12 yrs old). Easy & cheap replacement for $20 part. | ||
| Jan 2014150960 miC $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 2014152520 miC $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 2014152920 miC $10 | Drivers side window rollers broken when a attempt to roll down window @ -25c. | ||
| Jan 2015152660 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 200941000 miUS $200 | Fuel management module was faulty - killing gas mileage | ||
| Oct 200942000 mi | Rear backup sensor wiring harness failed. Not big - not uncommon, easy fix | ||
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 200990000 miUS $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 2016158000 miUS $182 | ABS Module malfunctioned and needed to be rebuilt. | ||
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.
