Most common 2005 Saab 9-7X problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saab 9-7X complaints by model year
Best 9-7X years: 2005, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
2005 Saab 9-7X recalls (2)
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board.
Remedy: Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2005 Saab 9-7X:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
Fuel level gauge system failure
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading…
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V-406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New…
Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than…
What 2005 Saab 9-7X owners say
Lights
While driving at night the headlights were set on automatic mode when all of a sudden they went out and I tried to turn them to the regular on position and they did not come on, the high beams did not work either. This has happened on several occasions and from what I read on line I'm not the only one that has this issue. I believe the recall should include my 2005 model as well. Other electrical issues! (instrument panel-gages) most tacked out, also speedometer gage issues (gets stuck at one speed and when yu slow down it doesn't go back down but if you get back up to speed it will continue to climb ie: showing a false speed of 95-MPH but actually only going about 55-MPH.
There's a recall on low beam headlamps shutting off while driving at night. I called Saab dealership because I was pulled over by state trooper bc lights shut off while I was driving and issued a warning. Dealership said there was a recall but no part available yet. I asked when there might be a part available and they said they've been waiting sense last June of 2014 and still no part available. This is a serious issue bc I drive home every night and no warning when lights will randomly shut off.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-7X. The contact stated that the fog lights independently turned on and failed to turn off. Upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the sound went away. The contact also stated that the rear suspension was sagging. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon research, the contact located NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V406000 (Electrical System, Visibility). Several unknown local dealers were contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Manufacturer: general motors llc mfr's report date: aug 15, 2012 NHTSA campaign id number: 12V406000 NHTSA action number: ea12004 component: visibility, power window devices and controls was advised in 2015 that the drivers door module was under recall as a fire hazard. It was replaced. The replacement module started on fire. The local dealer blamed 'rain water getting in it.' I ordered a brand new ddm that has never seen the elements or been installed in a car ' and it has the same corrosion that caused my fire! See pic. To add insult to injury the local GMC and Chevy dealers both say 'oh that's a Saab, we can't program that.' the nearest dealer willing to do this work is zimbrick in madison wisconsin. It's 150 miles away. They're stating they can't do the work a second time under the call. …
Fuel & propulsion system
Gas gauge either does not accurately measure gas in the vehicle or doesn't work at all. Problem has persisted over the pass year and has finally quit working. Have run out of gas on 3 occasions. On one incident had 5 month old baby in car at night.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds uphill, the strong odor of gasoline was present in the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was alerted.
2005 Saab 9-7X engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Saab 9-7X a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 9-7X rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 9-7X at the same age. It is one of the best 9-7X 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 2005 Saab 9-7X?
The lights — 8 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (7) and fuel & propulsion system (6).
How many recalls does the 2005 Saab 9-7X have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2005 Saab 9-7X, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (power window devices and controls). 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 9-7X?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Saab 9-7X years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Saab 9-7X problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 14% 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.