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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-SAAB-9-5
2008 · Saab

Saab 9-5 problems

1 safety recall. 20 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

airbags
18 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 9-5?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 9-5 · airbags
RECALL INITIATED IN FEB 2016, NOTIFICATION RECEIVED FROM GM IN MAY OF 2016, REPAIR IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE AFTER 10 MONTHS FROM DATE OF RECALL.
12/19/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10936359.0
2008 9-5 · airbags
TAKATA RECALL - ALTHOUGH THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 3, 2016, IT HAS STILL NOT BEEN COMPLETED. GIVEN THE DANGER OF BEING HIT WITH SHRAPNEL, THE SITUATION SHOULD BE REMEDIED IMMEDIATELY!
12/12/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10934851.0
2008 9-5 · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT…
12/09/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10934141.0
2008 9-5 · airbags
I RECEIVED THIS RECALL NOTICE IN MAY OF 2016. THE RECALL WAS ACTUALLY IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. I AM BEING TOLD NOW THAT THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SOME TIME IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2017. THE RECALL STATES THE ISSUE MAY "RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS".…
12/06/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10930222.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 08V160000 09/04/2008

SAAB IS RECALLING 57,389 MY 2002-2008 9-5 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A-PILLAR TRIM WITH IMPROVED ENERGY-ABSORBING CAPABILITY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Saab 9-5 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Saab 9-5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Saab 9-5?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 18 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Saab 9-5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Saab 9-5?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 20 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Saab. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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