The vehicle dossier US · 2001

2001 Saab
9-5Problems & recalls

82 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 48 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 82 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system48 reports
Engine18 reports
Fuel system15 reports
Other components9 reports
Brakes2 reports
Body & structure1 reports
Air bags1 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
EQUIPMENT2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL2
WHEELS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
WHEELS:RIM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
WHEELS:HUB1
AIR BAGS1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
TIRES1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jan 29, 2024
Mileage, where supplied

62,976 miles is the median among 66 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 46,500–94,032 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Mar 7, 2007 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 07V087000

Reported concern

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

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 07052

Read campaign 07V087000 at NHTSA
Sep 14, 2005 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULECampaign 05V399000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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 THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Manufacturer campaign: 15021

Read campaign 05V399000 at NHTSA
Jan 13, 2003 Safety recallWHEELS:HUBCampaign 03V006000

Reported concern

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 AWAY RESULTING IN REDUCED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE WHEEL TO THE HUB. OVER SEVERAL SEASONS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS REDUCED FORCE COULD RESULT IN FRACTURES DEVELOPING IN THE WHEEL BOLTS DUE TO WHEEL TO HUB MOVEMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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 REPLACE THE WHEELS USING NEW IMPROVED BOLTS WITH ATTACHED WASHERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. 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 SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Manufacturer campaign: 15013

Read campaign 03V006000 at NHTSA
May 18, 2001 Safety recallAIR BAGSCampaign 01V168000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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 SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Read campaign 01V168000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

55 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

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

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle 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 updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

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 exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This 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…NHTSA ID 11004761

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 carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004761 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

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

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This 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 info…NHTSA ID 11002312

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.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
Mar 13, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This 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 Ti…NHTSA ID 10251890

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 carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251890 at NHTSA
Feb 22, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions22-NA-074This 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.NHTSA ID 10250775

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.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10250775 at NHTSA
Jan 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions02-08-42-001JThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.NHTSA ID 10249011

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

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249011 at NHTSA
Oct 6, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions17-NA-170This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.NHTSA ID 10244274

This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.

Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10244274 at NHTSA
Sep 26, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-00-89-006JThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).NHTSA ID 10244201

This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10244201 at NHTSA
Aug 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-073This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.NHTSA ID 10242262

This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10242262 at NHTSA
Apr 27, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions17-NA-170This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.NHTSA ID 10235799

This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.

Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235799 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Apr 7, 2005 ClosedENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE05017

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 IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.THE COMPLAINT DATA REPRESENTS INCIDENTS WHERE THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED A STALL OR FIRE.ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON 95,081 MY 2000-2002 SAAB 9-3 AND 9-5 VEHICLES WITH 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND 8,117 MY 2001 9-5 VEHICLES WITH 6- CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES (RECALL 05V-399).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES WITHIN THESE POPULATIONS MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IDM DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP FOR BOTH A 4-CYLINDER AND 6-CYLINDER ENGINE, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.WHEN THE IDM FAILS ON A 4-CYLINDER WHILE IT IS RUNNING, THE ENGINE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING, WITH NO ABILITY TO BE RESTARTED.WHEN THE IDM FAILS ON A 6-CYLINDER ENGINE WHILE IT IS RUNNING, THE DRIVER WILL INITIALLY EXPERIENCE REDUCED POWER AND ROUGH OPERATION BECAUSE THE ENGINE WILL ONLY BE RUNNING ON THREE CYLINDERS.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL FLASH.IF THE DRIVER CONTINUES, UNBURNT FUEL IN THE EXHAUST CAN CAUSE THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.THE ENGINE MAY STALL AND NOT RESTART.THERMAL DAMAGE TO OTHER UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS AND THE UNDERBODY MAY ALSO RESULT FROM PROLONGED DRIVING.THE RECALL POPULATION ENCOMPASSES 84% OF THE STALLING AND FIRE COMPLAINTS (215 FOR VEHICLES WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES AND 36 FOR VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES).THE 36 MONTHS IN SERVICE (MIS) STALLING RATES FOR EACH MODEL YEAR OF RECALLED VEHICLES WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES WERE ALL GREATER THAN TWO PERCENT.ALTHOUGH THE 36 MIS STALL RATE FOR THE RECALLED MY 2001 VEHICLES WITH V6 ENGINES WAS LOWER, AT 1.3 PERCENT, THESE VEHICLES ALSO HAD THE HIGHEST RATE OF CONFIRMED (OPEN FLAME VERIFIED) FIRES AT 62 PER 100,000 VEHICLES.GM WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR IDM INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF NECESSARY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCOPE AND REMEDY OF GM'S ACTION AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Recorded closure: Sep 23, 2005

Campaign reference in the source: 06V410000

Find investigation PE05017

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