Model year guide

2004 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

2004 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints19
Combined20–21 mpg
Typical price$2,000

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

2004 Saab 9-5 recalls 2

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint NHTSA Campaign #08V160000 · manufacturer #E080101/15204 · 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. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING COMPLIANCE TESTING, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENTS.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #07V087000 · manufacturer #07052 · 07/03/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

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.

2004 Saab 9-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 19 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.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2004 Saab 9-5 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2004 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SABFrontal crash test
Side barrier test — 2004 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SABSide barrier test · ▶ watch video

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined20–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,638
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S5) or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume96 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,188 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2004 Saab 9-5 worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$2,000
High
$3,000

From 6 comparable 2004 Saab 9-5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,190
Fuel only$18,190
Per mile$0.24

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
2,855–2,978 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
59.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Saab 9-5 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 83

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 83.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024

This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.

Bulletin 09-00-89-008G · May 2024

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Bulletin 10-08-45-001H · Electrical System · Mar 2024

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

Bulletin 22-NA-074 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2024

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.

Bulletin 02-08-42-001J · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2024

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

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Saab 9-5. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even…

Transport Canada #2007059 · Mar 2007

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

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.

2004 Saab 9-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Arc 2.3T
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl

2004 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49A243001712 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49AX43013557 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED59A943006346 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED59A843510967 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49A543513836 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED59A343011879 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49AX43003756 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EH49G943503433 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3ED49C843010562 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EB59D143512284 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EH49G353506345 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EB45C643500560 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3ED49AX43514318 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3ED45L333046311 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EF59DX43508450 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EB49D753505366 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EB45AX43502519 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EB55D343006719 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EH59G553514694 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EF55C343506732 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EH49G943509880 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EF49EX43519306 2004 Saab 9-5YS3ED49A043512335 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5YS3EH49G243503838

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

2004 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2004 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 2004 Saab 9-5?

Across all 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What is the 2004 Saab 9-5 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Saab 9-5 crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Saab 9-5 get?

The 2004 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2004 Saab 9-5 worth?

Comparable 2004 Saab 9-5 listings run roughly $600–$3,000, typically around $2,000 (from 6 vehicles).

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