Most common 2009 Saab 9-7X problems
Share of the 17 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 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 2009 Saab 9-7X owners say
Lights
Low beam headlamps and daytime running lamps intermittently fail to illuminate, both in auto as well as manual mode. Lights fail to illuminate on start-up as well as shut off unexpectedly while driving. This is the same issue stated in the recall for 2006-2008 Saab 9-7x, but inexplicably the 2009 model is not covered under this recall. This vehicle malfunction is hazardous and poses a threat to the safety of others on the road. The driver's view of the road is completely and unexpectedly impaired when the lights shut off while in motion as well as lowered visibility of the vehicle to others on the road.
At first my head lights were cutting off at various times for various amounts of time, this happened for more than a year and I would have to turn on my bright lights while driving at night, wait for the head light to kick back in and turn off the bright lights. For the last 5 months I have had no head lights at all. I have bright lights, the orange running lights, indicator lights and fog lights. I have replaced the head light bulbs and they worked for 2 minutes and stopped working again.
Electrical system
My wife and I were on the drive thru line at wendys, it was raining out and I cracked the front passenger window for a litle air. A minute later we smelled something burning we werent sure where the smell was coming from until my passenger side window/lock/and heated seat switch started to emit smoke. Of course we were in a state of panic, we quickly exited the line and pulled over I didnt know what to do other than pull up the switch housing from the door panel. After doing so the smoke was evident and the wires and actual plastic housing caught fire. I was able to put the fire out. After inspecting the entire switch housing it was clear that the wires overheated and short circuited I would imagine due to the little bit of rain water that leaked into it. The manager of the wendys came out to check on us as he saw and heard our panic. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saab 9-7x. The contact stated that the controls on the driver's side door panel did not work, including the door lock and seat heater. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact called cappalino Buick GMC at [phone] (located at 5411 transit rd, williamsville, ny 14221) and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2009 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 / 20 / 16 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Saab 9-7X a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 9-7X rates better than average: 42% 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 2009 Saab 9-7X?
The lights — 12 complaints, 71% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and seats (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 Saab 9-7X have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Saab 9-7X. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2009 Saab 9-7X problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 23% 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.