Most common 2011 Saab 9-5 problems
Share of the 9 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 →
What 2011 Saab 9-5 owners say
Lights
About once a month since about 10,000 miles I have had to replace one of the rear brake light socket assemblies because the plastic insert that holds the light bulb is melting. When it heats and melts, its shape slightly distorts disconnecting the connection between the light bulb and the light bulb holder. Thank goodness there are replacement parts on ebay but having to spend an extra 20 bucks every other month seems ridiculous and certainly something worthy to look into as a recall.
Premature wear (burn-out) of the halogen-style light bulbs in each of the rear turn signal and brake lights (the halogen lights serve as both a turn signal and brake light). The halogen lights appear to burn out every 4-6 months. The bulbs are creating excessive heat within the light housing and melting/fusing to the plastic housing. I believe this is potentially a fire risk. There is premature rust forming on the trunk lid aswell.
2011 Saab 9-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 32 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 27 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Saab 9-5 a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 9-5 rates better than average: 63% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 9-5 at the same age. It is one of the best 9-5 years by this measure. 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 2011 Saab 9-5?
The lights — 5 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Saab 9-5 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Saab 9-5. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2011 Saab 9-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 43% 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.