The Worst Problems for Every Saab Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Saab problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Sudden Low Beam Headlight Failure

    The 1st generation 9-7X has low beam headlights can suddenly shut off even though the lights themselves are perfectly fine. The issue is a a defective headlamp driver module which is responsible for distributing power to the lights.

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  2. Takata Recalls

    Parts supplier, Takata, manufactured defective, shrapnel-hurling airbag inflators that need to be recalled. The issue affects 34 million+ vehicles spread out across 24 brands, making it one of the largest (and most dangerous) recalls in aut…

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  3. Inaccurate Gas Gauge

    One of the more infamously problems with GM vehicles is a faulty fuel gauge that often leaves owners wondering just how much gas is left in their tank.

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All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues (see all)

What Breaks (see all)

Years to Avoid (see all)

The Least Reliable Saab Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

  1. Saab 9-3

    Reliability
    6th of 6
    PainRank™
    2.24
    Complaints
    34
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  2. Saab 9-5

    Reliability
    5th of 6
    PainRank™
    1.96
    Complaints
    32
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  3. Saab 9-2X

    Reliability
    4th of 6
    PainRank™
    1.54
    Complaints
    8
    Continue

  4. Saab 9-7X

    Reliability
    3rd of 6
    PainRank™
    0.73
    Complaints
    4
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

Key Numbers

  1. 8 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 11 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 18 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 89 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 1,863 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 67 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

  1. 2nd Generation 9-3

    Years
    2003–2011
    Reliability
    9th of 9
    PainRank™
    1.2
    Complaints
    24
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a 9-3

  2. 1st Generation 9-5

    Years
    1999–2009
    Reliability
    8th of 9
    PainRank™
    1.03
    Complaints
    26
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a 9-5

  3. 1st Generation 9-2X

    Years
    2005–2006
    Reliability
    7th of 9
    PainRank™
    0.96
    Complaints
    8
    Continue

  4. 2nd Generation 9-5

    Years
    2010–2011
    Reliability
    6th of 9
    PainRank™
    0.76
    Complaints
    6
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a 9-5

Recent Saab News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. Big news everyone! GM has now recalled over 30 million vehicles in 2014.

    That's quite an achievement when you realize they only sold 2.78 million units last year. Maybe we should all chip in and get them a cake? You know, one where the candles spell out "failure" or "get 'em next year champ." I'm not sure how to commemorate such a poor showing.…

    keep reading

  3. Hey look, everyone! It's another massive GM recall of 8.4 million vehicles.

    Of those millions, there are 189,000 that have issues with electrical shorts in the driver's door module that can disable all the power windows and locks.…

    keep reading

See More News

Have a complaint about your vehicle?

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint