The problem
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines May experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
The risk
Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it May also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling May occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in October 2005, informing them of the condition. Parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated March 13, 2006. Owners May contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 05V-399 (05V399000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 15021 |
| Manufacturer | SAAB CARS USA, INC. |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition › Module |
| Report date | September 14, 2005 |
| Owners notified | March 13, 2006 |
| Vehicles affected | 103,202 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 05V-399 repair free?
Yes. Saab dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in October 2005, informing them of the condition.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 103,202 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.