Model year guide

2000 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2000 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 28 on record.

2000 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo

2000 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints102
Combined19–21 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2000 Saab 9-5 recalls 3

Electrical System:ignition:module NHTSA Campaign #05V399000 · manufacturer #15021 · 14/09/2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THE…

Wheels:hub NHTSA Campaign #03V006000 · manufacturer #15013 · 13/01/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF AN OWNER CHANGES THEIR WHEELS/TIRES BETWEEN SUMMER AND WINTER USING A STEEL WHEEL IN THE WINTER AND AN ALLOY WHEEL IN THE SUMMER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR RUST AND CONTAMINATION TO BUILD UP ON THE WHEEL HUB DURING THE STEEL WHEEL USAGE. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE CONTAMINATION IS NOT REMOVED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AFTER THE TIRE CHANGE SERVICE, SOME OF THIS CONTAMINATION COULD FLAKE OR GRIND AW…

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY MAIL AND ASKED WHETHER THEY CHANGE BETWEEN STEEL AND ALLOY WHEELS. IF THEY DO ENGAGE IN THIS PRACTICE, THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE WHEELS, CLEAN ANY CONTAMINATION FROM THE WHEEL AND WHEEL HUB, AND REPLAC…

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #01V168000 · 18/05/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAA…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2000 Saab 9-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2000 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined19–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,870
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume99 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,350 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2000 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,350
Fuel only$19,350
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
189.4 in
Width
70.5 in
Height
57.1–59.1 in
Wheelbase
106.3 in
Curb weight
3,450–3,594 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
59.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2000 Saab 9-5 — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM "CASSETTE" ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. IN 3 INCIDENTS, THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED SMOKE AND/OR FIRE RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE. DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED…

NHTSA #PE05017 · Electrical System · opened Apr 2005 · closed Sep 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 20

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 20.

GM: THE WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, AND POWER WINDOWS ARE INOPERATIVE. 1999-2009 SAAB 9-5. *RM

Bulletin SB-071511 · Electrical System · Jun 2011

SAAB: STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS INOPERATIVE OR INCORRECT FUNCTION. *PE UPDATED 5/23/11. *PE

Bulletin PIC-4089A · Steering · Nov 2010

GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE

Bulletin 08089-B · Electrical System, Equipment · Nov 2008

BUICK\CADILLAC\CHEVROLET\GMC\HUMMER\OLDSMOBILE\PONTIAC\SAAB\SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. FCC RULED IN 2002 WIRELESS CARRIERS WOULD NO LONGER RE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT…

Bulletin 08-089 · Equipment · Jun 2008

NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *KB

Bulletin 2102554 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2006

DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE. *TT

Bulletin 01092006 · Latches/locks/linkages · Jan 2006

NEW FAULT DIAGNOSIS FOR IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE TRIONIC 7. *EH

Bulletin 2482428 · Electrical System · May 2004

A SAFETY DEFECT MAY EXIST WHERE CHANGING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN ALLOY AND STEEL WHEELS, MAY CAUSE RUST AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO BUILD UP ON THE MATING SURFACE OF THE WHEEL HUB AND CAUSE THE WHEEL BOLTS TO FATIGUE AND POSSIBLY BREAK. *TT

Bulletin 03001 · Wheels · Jan 2003

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 15402 ON REPLACING THE ONSTAR VEHICLE INTERFACE UNIT (VIU). *TT

Bulletin 3699036 · Equipment · Aug 2001

SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF TEST BRAKE LIGHTS MESSAGE DELETED FROM SID REPLACEMENT UNITS. *TT

Bulletin 381 · Jun 2001

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 9-5. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2000 Saab 9-5. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the Isolated Gated Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) within the Ignition Discharge Module (IDM) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads. Overheating of the IGBT occurs most o…

Transport Canada #2005271 · Sep 2005

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210. The required markings for the child tether anchorage hooks are missing in the luggage compartment area. Correction: Dealers will install the required adhesive label to the luggage compartment loading floor in the near vicinity of the three anchorage hooks.

Transport Canada #2005179 · Jun 2005

Suspension

On certain vehicles, when changing back and forth between alloy and steel wheels (as for winter tires), rust and other contaminates may build up on the mating surface of the wheel hubs. If this surface is not cleaned between wheel changes, uneven torque forces may cause wheel bolts to fracture. Although this is most likely to happen during wheel change service, it is possible t…

Transport Canada #2002247 · Dec 2002

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Saab 9-5

The Saab 9-5 is an executive car, manufactured and marketed by Saab from 1997 to 2012, across two generations.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2000 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF48C4Y3075572 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH48G113001044 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3ED48C6Y3071903 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH55G3Y3055241 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH48G9Y3006244 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH45G6Y3059570 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EG55G8Y3062298 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3ED45C8Y3051656 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF45C513028609 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF45C7Y3052453 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3ED48C4Y3070894 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF45C113016876 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH48G2Y3051073 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3ED48C9Y3047711 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF58E5X3047804 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF45C2Y3041800 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3ED48E2Y3015796 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF55E2Y3066154 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF48C8Y3015701 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EM48Z5Y3050609 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH45GX13010085 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3ED58C9Y3002175 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EF55C0Y3068628 2000 Saab 9-5 2000 Saab 9-5YS3EH45G513000385

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1999 1998 1997

2000 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2000 Saab 9-5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Saab 9-5?

Across all 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Saab 9-5 get?

The 2000 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.