Most common 2004 Saab 9-5 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saab 9-5 complaints by model year
Best 9-5 years: 2006, 2007, 2011. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
2004 Saab 9-5 recalls (2)
Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
Saab is recalling 57,389 my 2002-2008 9-5 series vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." during compliance testing, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will install a-pillar trim with improved energy-absorbing capability free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2008. Owners May contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on June 13, 2007.
What 2004 Saab 9-5 owners say
Electrical system
I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. …
I have a 2004 Saab 9.5 that I bought new on April 1, 2004. I discovered today for the first time that my backup lights are not working. Yesterday, I filed a complaint #10166145. This back up light problem is related. The hard plastic molded assembly on the drivers side of the trunk lid that is supposed to protect the wiring harness from damage is actually damaging and eventually cutting through all of the wires that pass through the assembly. Wires in my car began getting cut within 2 months of purchase and have continued. This assembly appears to be able to cut through about 8 wires leaving exposed wire in contact with each other and thereby disabling the cruise control, brake lights, reverse lights and electric trunk lock. This is not normal wear and tear - its a design fault. The wires seem to catch on the sharp edge of the plastic protector (!) that fits into the lid. …
Engine & cooling
I purchased my 2004 Saab 9-5 in 2023. I was under the impression that everything was running and that drivability was proper. When I attempted to drive the automobile it would start, idle 7 minutes and stall. It would not start again for about 35 minutes. I tried to use it, and this behavior continued. Often, in traffic it would stall while I was moving at low speed, and moderate speed: Without warning, it cuts out and won't start for 40 minutes. I have spent money with my mechanic, over $1,000. I personally bought many parts: MAF sensor, fuel pump relay, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I replaced the Coolant Sensor. After all this the vehicle still stalls 5 minutes after warmup. If it drives to warm up, it stalls and won't restart for 40 minutes. After I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor, (CPS), it has never restarted. …
I own a 2004 Saab 9-5 wagon, which was purchased in nov 2004. There were approximately 31,800 miles on the car at the time of this failure, which occurred in late July 2008. (ironically, less than 2 weeks after having taken the car for routine service/oil change/tire rotation.) after having run 2 errands (I.e. Two stops & starts), I was driving to work on a relatively busy 4-lane road. Just after having come down a hill & rounding a corner, with estimated speed 35mph, the car's engine cut out, the power steering went out, & the brakes seemed not to work appropriately. I was fortunate to be in the right lane, and wound up coasting to a stop in the lane of traffic, as I had so little control of the vehicle that I was not even able to move to what little shoulder was available (the vehicle finally stopped while on a bridge). The vehicle would not restart. …
2004 Saab 9-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Saab 9-5 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 9-5 rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 9-5 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Saab 9-5?
The electrical system — 13 complaints, 68% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 Saab 9-5, the most recent from April 9, 2008 (head restraint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saab 9-5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2007 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. See the full Saab 9-5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Saab 9-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 32,000 miles; 65% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.