Most common 2006 Saab 9-7X problems
Share of the 59 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 →
2006 Saab 9-7X recalls (4)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737.
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.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,…
Remedy: Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2006 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 2006 Saab 9-7X owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 31 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saab 9-7x. While driving, the fuel gauge failed to display the proper fuel level and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel level sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
I have a 2006 Saab 9-7x with 92,000+ miles. The fuel gauge had failed at about 65,000 miles and I have yet to fix it because the dealership said that it would cost anywhere from $850 to $1,000 depending on how long it takes to be done. I think this is ridiculous that this is not a recall because I no many many people with the same issue. It is not fair for a defect in quality of a near $45,000 vehicle to be laid on a costumer. Signs of this problem were that the gauge would intermittently read false then regulate to normal. I was told it was not anything to be concerned about by my GM dealer and Saab. …
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saab 9-7x. The contact stated while the vehicle was brought to the swedish garage for air bag replacements, the vehicle attempted to start independently and the passenger side door panel emitted smoke. The vehicle's battery and the power window master switch were removed by the independent mechanic however the vehicle was not operable afterwards. The vehicle was taken to Volvo Saab of charlotte where it was diagnosed that the power window master switch, battery, and starter module would need to be replaced. The contact did not receive notice of NHTSA campaign number: 14V404000 (visibility) and was informed that after the incident the vehicle was involved in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
1. Vehicle stalls/loses power while in motion at a low rate of speed. Problem can't be identified by 3 independent mechanics. One mechanic said replace fuse box and hope it solves the issue. 2. Vehicle has electrical surges causes a multitude of electrical issues. So far: fire in fuse box burning out the low-beam relay, audio interference through the speakers (crackling) when turn signals, or radio are playing, remote access fails intermittently, replaced 2 Bosch batteries, bad alternator, 3 air-ride suspension compressors, replace turn signal, brake, and head lights annually, low to no power while idling, and electronics not working intermittently (power seats, heated seats, air compressor, power windows). One mechanic said that there are faint plumes of smoke coming off of the fuse box.
Lights
Filed a complaint about this issue before (03/2015) and having the same problem, headlights flicker and sometimes go completely off while driving on highways and city streets. I received a recall notice when this issue was first known, after that I did not receive any other paperwork concerning this issue. The Saab north America office and the local dealer keep on telling me that me vehicle does not have the HID headlights (this is stamped on the headlight housing and when I searched the VIN it does show it was installed on this model). I have tried to change the headlight drivers module (hdm) but still the same problem, thought maybe because I purchased an OEM product it could be also be bad. Purchased an aftermarket hdm and still the same, I do not know where to go with this, I was employed by dod as a fleet manager so I am not stupid when it comes to a vehicle with issues. …
Headlights flickered and I thought they were going to go completely off but they did not. Checked the internet and with dealer for this incident and was told this was a normal occurrence with this vehicle. Since then, the vehicle now has 145,746 miles and there are more instances of these happenings. Also have a problem with the electrical system due to interference coming through the stereo system and creates a humming/buzzing sound coming from the back speakers. Had a certified Saab technician troubleshoot this problem and found a problem with the ground system (electrical) in the rear speakers/equalizer. I am presuming that this May have something to do with the whole electrical system (to include the headlights, equalizers, speakers) of this vehicle. Just had a recall taken care of to replace the front drivers door power window module.
2006 Saab 9-7X engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Saab 9-7X a good car?
Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 9-7X rates avoid: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the 9-7X at the same age. It is one of the 9-7X years we suggest avoiding. 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 2006 Saab 9-7X?
The fuel & propulsion system — 31 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › fuel gauge system. Next are the electrical system (13) and lights (11).
How many recalls does the 2006 Saab 9-7X have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2006 Saab 9-7X, the most recent from August 14, 2015 (headlights). 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 2006 Saab 9-7X problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 8% 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.