Model year guide

2005 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.

2005 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints11
Combined20–21 mpg
Typical price$3,277

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

2005 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.

2005 Saab 9-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2005 Saab 9-5 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2005 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined20–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000
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$8,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2005 Saab 9-5 worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$3,277
High
$2,900

From 11 comparable 2005 Saab 9-5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,950
Total$22,950
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,277) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,280), from CarLogs listing data. 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 2005 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 112

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 112.

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 the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

Bulletin 02-00-89-002X · Sep 2024

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 service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.

Bulletin 01-06-01-011P · Engine · Aug 2024

This service 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 c…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 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

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 2005 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.

2005 Saab 9-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Arc 2.3T · Aero
Engines
2.3L · 2.3L 4-cyl

2005 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2005 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 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 2005 Saab 9-5?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What is the 2005 Saab 9-5 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 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 2005 Saab 9-5 get?

The 2005 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2005 Saab 9-5 worth?

Comparable 2005 Saab 9-5 listings run roughly $1,000–$2,900, typically around $3,277 (from 11 vehicles).

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