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ProblemsByVin Index / 2005-SAAB-9-2X / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2005 Saab 9-2X owner complaints

111 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle . Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

fuel system 6 complaints shown

13 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system cluster analysis →
12/23/2008 50,000 mi ODI #10252616.0

Very strong raw fuel smell in cabin when air temps below 15 degrees f. Must open windows to pprevent eyes from watering and burning. *tr

12/18/2013 100,000 mi ODI #10556472.0

On and off, there is a very strong odor of fuel in the cabin of the car. Had to drive with the windows open. This has been happening since the weather became very cold. *tr

12/18/2008 44,000 mi ODI #10252158.0

Raw fuel is present and pools on the engine only when outside air temps go below freezing. Happens constantly. Many people on the referring internet site have reported the same problem. I have not been able to determine the proper fix. *tr

12/17/2013 128,000 mi ODI #10556354.0

Very strong fuel smell in car, and in engine compartment after starting car. Ambient outdoor temperatures for the last 4-5 days have been below 20 degrees f. This particular vehicle has been in service in vermont since february 2007, and in connecticut before that when originally purchased new. This is the same issue that has already been addressed by Subaru for the 02-03 Subaru wrx (which shares an identical powertrain/fueling system with the saab 9-2x aero), as outlined in recall # NHTSA campaign id number: 09v468000 ea09011 NHTSA action number: ea09011 (Subaru recall program #wvk-21). *tr

12/17/2013 75,000 mi ODI #10556387.0

Strong raw fuel smell on start. This occurs in cold (<10f) temperatures. The fumes fill the entire cabin. *tr

12/08/2011 30,000 mi ODI #10439042.0

On cold mornings there's a raw fuel smell indicating, at best, vapors escaping and at worst liquid fuel spillage. A peek down between the intake manifold near the fuel rail shows no pooling, but, some kind of residue on the screw/clamp holding the hose to hardline. *tr

other 5 complaints shown

12/26/2017 150,000 mi ODI #11056615.0

The smell of raw fuel in the cabin on cold weather starts. Further investigation revealed a fuel leak underneath the intake and fuel spraying and pooling on top of the engine block. So much fuel leaking that it ran down and made a puddle under the car.

12/26/2013 100,000 mi ODI #10557357.0

When starting up and driving in cold conditions (temperature below 32f, not referring to engine bay temperature but ambient), a fuel line 'shrinks' or 'leaks' fuel vapor and liquid onto the engine block and causes a very noticeable and nauseous raw gasoline smell. This condition is know and is in a recall for my2002-2003 Subaru wrxs with the same engine as the 2005 saab 92-x aero as well as other subarus and is know to exist by many, many Subaru and saab owners. This is a safety concern since mine is leaving gasoline directly on top of the cylinder head and could potentially result in a fire which in many circumstances can lead to serious injuries to myself and/or other motorists. My car is completely stock with no modifications to the power-plant of any kind. *tr

11/19/2014 110,000 mi ODI #10659242.0

Every time vehicle is started in below freezing temperatures gasoline sprays out of fuel lines under intake manifold and leaks all over engine, interior cabin smells of strong gasoline fumes during this time and also while driving, possible fire condition may occur. *tr

11/18/2014 111,000 mi ODI #10658998.0

In cold temperatures my car begins to smell of fuel and based on a mechanics diagnosis, it has to do with the fuel line clamps needing to be tightened. It seems like many of saab 9-2x aero models have this issue. This is unacceptable and should be recalled by the company. If this many people are having issues, there is clearly a problem. *tr

11/04/2015 160,000 mi ODI #10788281.0

This vehicle, being made by saab and Subaru of america, is exibiting the same exact issue as described by the 2002-2003 Subaru wrx fuel leak recall initiated by the NHTSA in 2003 (I believe). This issue is starting to appear, even in mild climates like mine in california, on vehicles well beyond the 02-03my. My vehicle is equivalent to the 2005 Subaru wrx wagon. It uses the same engine/fuel system. It doesn't get very cold here, but on a 50 degree f day this morning, I had a strong smell of fuel for the second time in a row. I anticipate this will happen every morning, from now on. This is an obvious fire and safety hazard, proven by the fact the NHTSA already had soa issue a recall previously for the same issue. The "fix" is not working long term, since my vehicle fell into manufacture

airbags 4 complaints shown

41 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/29/2015 60,000 mi ODI #10816807.0

Takata recall 1. My car is affected by the takata recall, but is not listed in the most recent update on the NHTSA site. 2. More importantly, it has been 5 months since I received a letter stating the issue and telling me not to have anyone sit in the passenger seat. This is difficult to do with a four seat car and a family of 4. I have a potential bomb in my car that may shoot shrapnel out and I can not get it replaced or removed. This is completely unacceptable. Why can this not be disabled or removed (per an email from saab)? Not having anyone sit in the front seat and risking anyone else in the rear seats and driver seat is not a practical solution.

12/02/2015 ODI #10807901.0

Subaru of america has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in my 2005 saab 9-2x. I was sent a notice stating that, " in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death." it's now december and I haven't received a notice to have the part repaired. Will gm/saab replace the air bag ? If not, can they pay the remaining balance on the vehicle and take it?

11/06/2015 ODI #10788790.0

I am original owner of this vehicle. I received airbag recall statement in july 2015 and have heard nothing further. I contacted saab customer assistance by email and was told no parts are available and they don't know when they will be. I am concerned that I have been driving an unsafe car until july and then unable to use front passenger seat due to recall statement regarding it being unsafe. I do not think this length of time or lack of commitment towards repair is acceptable.

10/23/2014 51,000 mi ODI #10649457.0

Who will fix the air bags on this vehicle? Saab is out of business and mb dealer has no records. I went to Subaru (they built the vehicle) and they said I should contact NHTSA. I also left a phone message to return my call. *tr

suspension 3 complaints shown

17 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $900 · see suspension cluster analysis →
12/28/2015 70,000 mi ODI #10816437.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-2x. The contact stated that while replacing a tire, he noticed that the lower control arm was severely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired under recall campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

11/16/2018 130,250 mi ODI #11152748.0

The driver's side control arm failed, resulting in a loss of steering control. The control arms were subject to a recall in 2012 (which was performed by a saab dealership at 99,992 miles). After the failure, a spokesperson for the dealership said the control arms were not replaced, but rather a clear rust proofing agent was applied by a subcontractor.

10/21/2020 104,000 mi ODI #11365493.0

It is a known issue in the saab 9-2x community that the rear strut towers rust out and fall apart. This is an issue that should be addressed as it is so common whether in a rust prone state or not.

steering 1 complaint shown

3 total in this category · severe · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
11/09/2011 76,500 mi ODI #10434966.0

While pulling out of the driveway, I suddenly heard a loud noise from the engine bay and couldn't turn my steering wheel to exit the driveway. The failure was due to the rubber ring (inner ring) of the engine's crankshaft pulley becoming misaligned with the metal ring (outer ring), causing the belt for the power steering pump to become detached from the pulley. This caused the steering wheel to become suddenly difficult to turn which could have posed a dangerous situation if I were driving on a busy road. Please note my vehicle's engine and drivetrain is identical to the more popular and better-selling 2005 Subaru impreza, so this could have happened on that vehicle as well. My mechanic has seen this problem on multiple imprezas, but Subaru refuses to acknowledge the widespread pro

tires 1 complaint shown

10/30/2007 36,800 mi ODI #10207493.0

Purchased a used tire from colony tire in greenville, nc on 10/29/07. Later in the day, noticed some cuts or slashes around the sidewall near the rim. Jacked up the car and found similar sidewall separation on the inside sidewall. The tire has not lost pressure, but I do not feel safe driving with a tire in this condition. *tr

Showing 300 of 111 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Saab/9-2X#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-07-15. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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