Most common 2008 Saab 9-7X problems
Share of the 22 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 →
2008 Saab 9-7X recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 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.
What 2008 Saab 9-7X owners say
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-7x. After starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to function when activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the lamp control relay fuse was replaced on two separate occasions. In addition, there was damage to the fuse box and the head lamp driver module melted. There were no flames present. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V755000 (exterior lighting); however, the vehicle had not been serviced due to the remedy being under development. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the headlamps independently failed. In addition, when the fog lights were activated any other electrical system was in use, the vehicle would shut down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it could not be diagnosed; however, the mechanic stated that the bulb needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred more than ten times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15V519000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Electrical system
"Takata recall" purchased from eastchester Chrysler Jeep dodgr dealership in bronx, ny 10486 , on feb. 28, 2015, engine light illuminated on dashboard indicating a possible problem. I took it back approximately 7x to the dealer for repair and approximately 8 additional times at other mechanics. Unfortunately, light continues today. Both headlights were problem; drivers side beginning first dimming very low. Several weeks later, the passenger side headlight began to have problems as well. Eventually it became a necessity to become an expensive out-of- pocket expense. Finally, the stability check light continuously comes on and off making it necessary to stop and turn off and restart vehicle as suggested by dealer mechanic advice. Allinformation described is verified with documents.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the headlamps independently failed. In addition, when the fog lights were activated any other electrical system was in use, the vehicle would shut down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it could not be diagnosed; however, the mechanic stated that the bulb needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred more than ten times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15V519000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Engine & cooling
"Takata recall" purchased from eastchester Chrysler Jeep dodgr dealership in bronx, ny 10486 , on feb. 28, 2015, engine light illuminated on dashboard indicating a possible problem. I took it back approximately 7x to the dealer for repair and approximately 8 additional times at other mechanics. Unfortunately, light continues today. Both headlights were problem; drivers side beginning first dimming very low. Several weeks later, the passenger side headlight began to have problems as well. Eventually it became a necessity to become an expensive out-of- pocket expense. Finally, the stability check light continuously comes on and off making it necessary to stop and turn off and restart vehicle as suggested by dealer mechanic advice. Allinformation described is verified with documents.
I got a trouble code for cylinder #7 misfire. It is the lifters going out due to the afm or dod, whatever GM calls it. The system shutting down the 8 cylinder to 4 cylinders. $3000 job for something that I'm sure GM is very aware of. These 5.3s with this afm will have this problem. It's just a matter of when.
2008 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 | 13 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Saab 9-7X a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 9-7X rates average: 24% 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 2008 Saab 9-7X?
The lights — 9 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the electrical system (6) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Saab 9-7X have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 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 2008 Saab 9-7X problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 6% 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.