Most common 2005 Saab 9-5 problems
Share of the 11 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 →
2005 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.
2005 Saab 9-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Saab 9-5 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 9-5 rates better than average: 57% 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 2005 Saab 9-5?
The equipment & accessories — 2 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc.. Next are the suspension (2) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 Saab 9-5 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2005 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 2005 Saab 9-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 36% 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.