Saab 9-5 reliability
The Saab 9-5 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 35.5% of 9,285 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
4 DVSA recalls for the Saab 9-5
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Steering wheel airbag may not perform correctly in a collision
It has been identified that in the unlikely event of a collision where there is a need for the deployment of the driver airbag it is a possible that the drivers airbag module may separate form its mounting on the steering wheel horn plate.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the drivers airbag module.
Recalled models: 95 · 95 vehicles
Fuel may leak - fire may occur
Fuel may leak from the return hose because it is not to specification and will age/crack prematurely. In the worst case fire may occur.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel return hose.
Recalled models: 95 · 4,383 vehicles
Detachable tow bar may become insecure.
Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.
Fix: Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.
Recalled models: 95 · 596 vehicles
Towball came adrift from towbar
A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurely detach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.
Fix: All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.
Recalled models: 95 · 596 vehicles
Checking a Saab 9-5 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.