1999 Saab 9-5

Defect. 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.

Risk. THESE FRACTURES WOULD RESULT IN WHEEL BOLT BREAKAGE, ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Risk. THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING IN A SMOOTH STRAIGHTAWAY COUNTRY ROAD AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH. NO OTHER CAS WERE AROUND AT THE TIME AND NOBODY GOT SERIOUSLY HURT, ONLY A MINOR BRUISE ON THE ARM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR ANY TYPE OF IMPACT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST HOWEVER, DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION ON WHAT CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

MY VEHICLE WAS SOLD ORIGINALLY IN CALIFORNIA AND HAS BEEN A CALIFORNIA REGISTERED VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. IT HAS REAR FOG LIGHTS INSTALLED WITH IT'S OWN SEPARATE SWITCH ON CLUSTER DASH FOR THEM . THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE 24602 FOG TAIL LAMPS OR REAR FOG LIGHTS. AS THE CODE STATES: 24602.(B)(3) THE EDGE OF THE LENS OF THE LAMP SHALL BE NO CLOSER THAN FOUR INCHES FROM THE EDGE OF THE LENS OF ANY STOP LAMP OR BRAKE. THIS VEHICLES REAR FOG LIGHT LENSES AND BRAKE LIGHT LENSES ARE RIGHT UP AGAINST EACH OTHER WITH NO SPACE GIVEN BETWEEN THEM. I HAVE ASKED THE MANUFACTURER OWNER ,WHICH WAS GENERAL MOTORS AT THE TIME TO REMEDY ISSUE. THEY HAVE DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE. I HAVE EXPLAINED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUES WHICH WAS WRITTEN INTO CALIFORNIA LAW FOR A PURPOSE. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN USING THEM WHEN WARRANTED ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS REQUIRE AND DO TO THEIR PLACEMENT IT CAN BE CONSTRUED AS IF THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AS COMING TO A STOP OR STOPPED. I VEHICLE BEHIND IT COULD PANIC BRAKE OR HARD STEER TO RIGHT OR LEFT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT . I HAVE ALSO WRITTEN TO THE ORIGINAL SALES DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL VEHICLE . YOUR ASSISTANCE AND INVESTIGATION INTO THIS APPRECIATED. *TR

MY VEHICLE HAS A CRACK ABOUT 2 INCHES IN LENGTH ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE ON ROOF TOP. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES AND WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE INVESTIGATED INTO ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER FILLED WITH OIL LEAKING FROM DEFECTIVE VACUUM PUMP RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE. DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE CAUSES BRAKES TO SUDDENLY LOCK UP IMMOBILIZING CAR. THIS IS A DESIGN FAILURE IN THE ELECTRONIC ABS BRAKING SYSTEM IN MY OPINION. *TR

ALL OF THESE REPAIRS IN ABOUT A TWO YEAR PERIOD: ABS MODULE, OIL COOLER, THROTTLE BODY, UPPER RADIATOR HOSE, AND BOTH DIC CASSETTES. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY A $40K CAR. I HAVE LOVED SAAB'S SINCE MY CHILDHOOD, BUT THIS ONE CAR HAS COMPLETELY TURNED ME OFF OF THEM. FIRST THE ABS MODULE WENT, HAD IT REBUILT ($150) AND NO IMPROVEMENT. SO I BOUGHT A NEW ONE ($350). THEN JUST AFTER THAT THE THROTTLE BODY DIED ($450). THEN JUST A FEW MONTHS LATER THE OIL COOLER ($1100) WENT OUT. IT RAN SMOOTH FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT THEN BOTH DIC'S DIED AT THE SAME TIME ($850). IT IS TIME FOR THIS CAR TO GO AWAY, AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER SAAB. WHY IS THERE A RECALL ON THE DIC FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT YEARS, BUT NO THE 1999'S? THANK SAAB!!! *TR

MY 1999 SAAB'S DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE HAS FAILED -- A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THIS MODEL, FOR WHICH A RECALL WAS ISSUED. THAT RECALL, HOWEVER, EXCLUDED 1999 MODEL YEARS FOR REASONS UNKNOWN TO ANYONE I HAVE SPOKEN WITH. MY CAR IS ESSENTIALLY IDENTICAL TO A 2000 SAAB 9-5, WHICH IS COVERED UNDER RECALL. HAD MY PART FAILED WHILE DRIVING, I WOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH NO POWER BRAKES, STEERING, ETC... THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR, IN WHICH WE CARRY OUR NEWBORN DAUGHTER. IT'S A VERY LOW-MILEAGE CAR (83K MILES) THAT I TAKE METICULOUS CARE OF. THIS PART SHOULD NOT FAIL, AND SHOULD CERTAINLY BE RECALLED IF A PATTERN OF FAILURES EXISTS (WHICH IT DOES). THANK YOU! *TR

IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. *TR

1999 SAAB 9-5 WAGON PASSENGER SIDE (SIDE) AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE SITTING STILL. GM IS DRAGGING THEIR HEELS AND NOT OFFERING A RENTAL CAR AND I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT IF I NEED A CAR TO DRIVE, I CAN PICK THE CAR UP FROM DEALERSHIP BUT THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ANOTHER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS QUITE A SCARY PROSPECT. GM SENT AN INSPECTOR OVER A WEEK LATER AND I'M STILL WAITING ON A REPORT. MEANWHILE WE ARE STUCK WITHOUT A CAR AND NO GUARANTEE FOR PAYMENT ON A RENTAL SO NO RENTAL. *TR

1999 SAAB 9-5 ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING. THERE WAS A RECALL OF THE IGNITION CONTROL UNIT ON THE 2000. DEALER SAID IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE 1999 BUT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ICM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AT THE DEALER, THE LAST TIME BEING 2 YEARS AGO AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. GM SAYS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THE 1999 WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT TAKING AN OFF RAMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVING THE CAR JUST TURN OFF. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER IGNITION CASSETTE WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN SHE STARTS HER VEHICLE, IT MOVES SLUGGISHLY AND MAKES NOISE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUMES EXIT THE EXHAUST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION CASSETTE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WAS HARMING THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THERE WAS EXCESSIVELY LOW POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING ROUGHLY AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE IGNITION CASSETTES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

REAR TIRES HAVE BEEN WEARING OUR PREMATURELY. INSIDE TIRE WEAR. *TR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL (JACKMAN ST. AT WATER ST., APPLETON WI) WHEN MY '99 SAAB, WENT DEAD. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL THERE IS A BLIND TURN TO THE LEFT, A STOP SIGN, AND A RAILROAD CROSSING JUST BEYOND THE INTERSECTION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SPOT TO HAVE YOUR CAR FAIL AND HAVE NO POWER TO THE BRAKES OR STEERING. THE REASON MY CAR STALLED WAS A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CASSETTE. THE FIRST TIME THIS PART FAILED, IN 2002, THE SITUATION WAS NOT AS DANGEROUS, AND THEN IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. I CONTACTED SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SENT A PHOTO OF THE HILL. THEY RESPONDED BY PHONE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS FOR THIS PART, NOR WOULD THERE BE A RECALL. THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF THE TOW AND REPAIR. I THINK THAT LEAVES SAAB OWNERS VULNERABLE TO ACCIDENTS. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL WITHOUT HITTING A TRAIN OR CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO ANYONE. *TR

DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD SID. *TR

AS REPORTED BY THE AUTO DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, A SEAM ON THE TOP OF THE NON-METALLIC FUEL TANK HAS SEPARATED AND DEVELOPED A LEAK. *TR

DASH BOARD DIGITAL DISPLAY (REFERRED TO AS SID) INOPERATIVE AND UNABLE TO REPORT VITAL SAFETY RELATED INFORMATION. *TR

ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO OIL SLUDGING CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP IN TRAFFIC ON AN INCLINE AT NIGHT ON A STREET WITH OUT LIGHTING. IT SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS PART OF A RECALL TWO YEARS AGO BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT. I FOUND OUT AFTER THE INCIDENT FROM A REPAIR SHOP. *TR

DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. IT CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL IN AN INTERSECTION. I WAS IN A TRAFFIC LANE TURNING LEFT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN IT FAILED. I REPLACED IT AT THE DEALER FOR $400.00. *TR

SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK. SECOND TIME IN A WEEK. *TR

I HAVE A SAAB 9-5 1999 WAGON. MY DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE IS OVERHEATING CAUSING THE CAR TO MISS. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND A RECALL ON THESE CASSETTES. THE RECALL THOUGH ONLY COVERS YEARS 2000-2002. MY CAR IS A FEW MONTHS BEFORE THE RECALL AND IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

MY SON JUST PASSED HIS DRIVERS TEST AND WE WERE GOING HOME WHEN THE CAR STARTED MAKING NOISES AND THEN STALLED. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE CAR AND SMELLED LIKE BURNT RUBBER. MY SON LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE (AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT). LIFTED HOOD THOUGHT CAR OVERHEATED. I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT SPARKED AND STARTED SMOKING AGAIN. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE. MY CAR IS A 1999 9-5 SAAB. I FOUND THAT THE 2000'S HAD A RECALL DUE TO THIS OVERHEATING AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THIS COULD OF CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

1999 SAAB 9-5 V6 (127,000 MILES). NO PRIOR RELATED PROBLEM BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. UPON START UP, VEHICLE RAN ROUGH AT IDLE. LOW POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. PARKED VEHICLE AND RAISED HOOD. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM IGNITION MODULE ON FRONT SIDE OF ENGINE, STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. ALSO SMELLED RAW GAS COMING FROM EXHAUST. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RUN AGAIN. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK HOME. REPLACEMENT IGNITION CASSETTE CURRENTLY ON ORDER.

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 1999 SAAB 9-5 SE SEDAN WITH A 2.3 LITRE ECOPOWER ENGINE WITH TURBO. BARELY 5 DAYS AFTER MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE THERE WAS A VERY SUDDEN ONSET OF A LOUD KNOCKING COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP THE SERVICE MANAGER AT WHICH INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A DAMAGED BALANCING SHAFT AND THAT MY ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF ENGINE SLUDGE. WHAT I WAS NOT TOLD, HOWEVER I DID FIND OUT WAS THAT ENGINE SLUDGE IS A PROBLEM KNOWN TO SAAB ON THIS CAR. HOWEVER IN ORDER FOR SAAB TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR, I WOULD HAVE THE UNREASONABLE TASK OF PROVIDING SAAB WITH ALL MAINTENENCE RECORDS FOR A CAR THAT I'VE OWNED FOR 5 DAYS. AFTER MUCH TRACKING I WAS ABLE TO FIND A SATISFACTORY NUMBER OF RECEIPTS, HOWEVER SAAB STILL REFUSED TO COVER THE WARRANTY BECAUSE OF A DATE DISCREPANCY ON ONE OF THE RECEIPTS THAT IS COMPLETELY OUT OF MY CONTROL. *AK

1999 SAAB 9-5 4-CYLINDER SEDAN THREW ROD AT 53,000 ON BUSY I-85 IN ATLANTA WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING WHATSOEVER (NO OIL LEAKS ON GARAGE FLOOR, NO ENGINE OR OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS, STRANGE NOISES, NOTHING). WAS ABLE TO GET TO SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. CAR HAD BEEN MAINTAINED REGULARLY. CONTACTED SAAB ASKING FOR REPAIR UNDER EXTENDED 8-YEAR WARRANTY ISSUED IN 2005 DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE RELATED TO OIL SLUDGE. SENT ALL REQUESTED RECORDS BECAUSE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE ON FILE. REQUEST WAS DENIED. SENT FOLLOW-UP LETTER TO SAAB G.M. REQUESTING REPAIR. DENIED WITH NO EXPLANATION. PHONED ON 3/1/07 REQUESTING A WRITTEN EXPLANATION BE EMAILED. STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ALTHOUGH WAS TOLD IT WAS BEING SENT IMMEDIATELY. WAS TOLD BY PERSON I SPOKE WITH THAT THE CAR WAS OUTSIDE THE 8 YR. EXTENDED WARRANTY. SAAB WILL DO NOTHING EXCEPT OFFER A CUSTOMER LOYALTY DISCOUNT TOWARD A NEW VEHICLE. MINE IS PRACTICALLY NEW AT 53,000 MILES. LOW MILEAGE DUE TO SHORT TRIPS OF 3 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK. THIS DRIVING CONDITION WAS ONE SPECIFICALLY LISTED AS CONTRIBUTING TO SLUDGE. I DON'T WANT OR EXPECT A NEW CAR. I JUST WANT MINE REPAIRED. *NM

1999 9-5 WHEELS RUST IN WINTER WEATHER CAUSING LUG NUTS TO BREAK. *TS THE LUG NUT WAS BROKEN AND THE HUB SPINDLE WAS CORRODED. THIS CAUSED THE WHEEL LUG NUTS TO LOOSEN WHILE DRIVING AND ONE OF THE LUGS NUTS EVEN SNAPPED OFF. THE OUTER CV JOINT SEIZED IN THE SPINDLE/HUB, NECESSITATING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CV SHAFT AS WELL AS THE HUB. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM (03V006000 ) AND THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 2003. *NM

MY 1999 SAAB 9.5 WAGON JUST DIED. IT WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER DIAGNOSED AND SAID IGNITION CASSETTE WAS BURNED OUT. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CASSETTE AND SPARK PLUGS FOR $525.40 + 6.0% TAX FOR TOTAL OF $556.92. MY MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE CASSETTES. DEALER SAID MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I PAID THE BILL. *NM

STALL AND SURGING TO THE POINT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD THE CAR BACK AT A STOP. LATER IDM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING . SEEN SMOKE COMING FORM COIL, PACK. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALL THAT IS ON THE 2000-2002 SAAB 9-5S FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION MODULE. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 05V399000. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD NUMEROUS 1999 SAABS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH., THE ABS MODULE FAILED, CAUSING FAILURE TO THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER. THE MODULE HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE BEFORE THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.*AK

UPON REACHING MY DESTINATION AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF, I HEAR A NOISE WHICH SOUNDS LIKE AIR ESCAPING THROUGH THE CAR'S PASSENGER A/C AND HEATING SYSTEM. ALSO, THE CAR MAKES A WEIRD NOISE OCCASIONALLY. I AM SMELLING SULFUR FROM THE GASOLINE ACCORDING TO THE TAPPERT BROTHERS. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO VEHICLES WERE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS ON THE DI CASSETTE OR THE ID MODULE. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TWO VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER RECALL FOR THE PARTS AFFECTED. HOWEVER AFTER AN INVESTIGATION IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. THE VEHICLES WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES PRIOR WITH THE SAME PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 7/19/2006 - THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM

LEAKING FUEL TANKS. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL TANK ON THIS VEHICLE TWICE. THE TANK IS NOW LEAKING AGAIN. THE LEAKS CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON (SMALL EVAPORATE LEAK CODE) AND OCCASIONALLY CAUSE FUEL VAPORS IN THE CABIN. THE TANK IS MADE OF PLASTIC, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REPAIR - MUST BE REPLACED. WITHOUT REPLACEMENT, VEHICLE WILL FAIL EMISSIONS TESTING AND I FEAR FIRE HAZARD. *NM

THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON RECENTLY AND I TOOK MY 1999 SAAB 9-5 TO THE DEALER. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM , IT WAS FOUND TO BE A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CAR WAS STORED OUTSIDE WITH LITTLE GAS IN THE TANK WHILE WAITING FOR SAAB TO LOCATE A NEW TANK. IT HAS TAKEN OVER 5 WEEKS AND SAAB CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. MY QUESTION IS: HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF CRACKED FUEL TANKS MADE FOR SAAB CARS FROM 1999 TO 2005 WHICH ALL USE THE SAME TANK? *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 TO 65 MPH THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FOR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, UPON INSPECTION THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V399000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION CONTROL MODULE. THE MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THERE WAS ALSO AN NHTSA INVESTIGATION, # PE5017, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION CONTROL MODULE.

ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. *JB

I HAVE A 1999 SAAB 9-5, V6 AND HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CASSETTE MODULE. THE 2000 9-5 HAS HAD A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PART. WHY HASN'T THE 1999 BEEN RECALLED? *JB

MY 1999 SAAB 9-5 SUSTAINED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OF THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE DESCRIBED IN THE 2000-2003 RECALL. REPAIRED BY LOCAL MECHANIC. WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL (AS DID NOT INCLUDE 1999) BUT MY COLLEAGUE POINTED IT OUT TO ME. I CONTACTED SAAB, SENT THEM RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION, AND THEY REFUSED TO CONSIDER MY VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. CLEARLY AN IGNITION MODULE SMOKING AND BURNING WHEN ENGINE STARTED IS A VERY UNUSUAL EVENT. I SUSPECT THIS MODULE ALSO BEGAN TO FAIL IN 1999 BUT THAT TOO FEW OF THESE EVENTS WAS REPORTED TO MAKE YOUR RECALL THRESHOLD, BUT I WOULD MAINTAIN THAT SUCH AN ARBITRARY CUTOFF IS INEQUITABLE. SAME PART; SAME UNUSUAL FAILURE. NOT SURE WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT THIS MANUFACTURER (USUALLY GOOD FOLK) IS MANAGING THIS WELL. HENCE MY FORMAL COMPLAINT. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF ALL POWER. THE WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE A FAILURE. A STRANGE BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT BUT NO FLAMES OR SMOKE WAS VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP; THE IGNITION MODULE AND COIL ASSEMBLY WERE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V399000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 05/04/06. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V399000, REGARDING THE IGNITION MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

BRAKES FAILED ON 1999 SAAB 9-5. PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A VACUUM FAILURE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. APPARENTLY THE VACUMM PUMPED OIL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER THUS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL. FUEL STORAGE TANK HAS HAD A LEAK IN THE UPPER SEAM WHICH EMITS GAS FUMES WHEN THE TANK IS FILLED. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE SAAB FUEL TANKS. *JB

I HAVE A 99 9-5 TURBO. OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST WEEK, MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON ME THREE TIMES. THE FIRST, I WAS TRAVELING ALONE AT 20 MPH AND THE CAR STALLED WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN INTO A GAS STATION, LEAVING ME VULNERABLE TO ONGOING TRAFFIC. AN HOUR LATER, I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND WE PROCEEDED TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR STALLED AS I WAS GOING INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. THANKS TO THE SKILLFUL MANEUVERING OF THE OTHER DRIVERS, OUR LIVES WERE SPARED. THE OTHER OCCURRED WHEN WE REACHED OUR DESTINATION. THE CAR STALLED AS WE PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THIS LED TO THE INABILITY TO TURN SUFFICIENTLY AND ALMOST HITTING THE NEIGHBORING CARS. I HAVE READ VARIOUS FORUMS OF FELLOW SAAB OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THESE SAME LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS. IT SEEMS TO ME AND MANY OTHERS THAT SAAB DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR DEDICATED CONSUMERS. WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR HAND OUTS, JUST THE RELIABILITY AND SAFETY ANY ONE SHOULD HAVE FROM A COMPANY THAT "ALLEGEDLY" PRIDES THEMSELVES ON THOSE THINGS. I JUST HOPE THAT THE NEXT TIME I SUBMIT A REPORT IT DOESN'T INCLUDE A DEATH OR DISMEMBERMENT OF MYSELF, CHILD, OR ANOTHER LOVED ONE BECAUSE OF SAAB'S LACK OF INTEGRITY. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE SPEED DROPPED TO 10 MPH. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME AND ONCE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER, WHERE THE IGNITION CASSETTES AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE SPARK PLUGS WERE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V399000, REGARDING THE IGNITION MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THIS HAPPENED ON THE ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 30 MPH. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT ONE OF THE HIGHWAYS WHERE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATALITY. THIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT DO OVER 15 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THE SMALL OF THE CAR WAS VERY BAD SO THE CONTACT WAITED 20 MINUTES BEFORE LEAVING. THERE WAS NO FIRE. BOTH IGNITION CASSETTES WERE REPLACED, AS WELL AS SPARK PLUGS. *AK

(1) DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE CAR, A HOLE HAS DEVELOPED IN THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC GAS TANK OF 1999 SAAB 9-5 SEDAN. (2) A "SMOKE TEST" HAS REVEALED THE HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE TANK. THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED A GAS EVAPORATION LEAK. THERE ARE PROMINENT GAS FUMES AND SMELLS IN THE CAR'S CABIN, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. (3) THIS IS THE SECOND GAS TANK ON THE CAR, THE FIRST TANK WAS REPLACED BY A SAAB DEALERSHIP AFTER IT FAILED TO PRESSURIZE PROPERLY, A RELATED ISSUE. *JB

ON FEBRUARY 15, 2006 AS I WAS EXITING MY CAR (1999 SAAB 9-5 SE), I WAS JOLTED BY FIVE "SHOCKS" WHEN I REACHED FOR THE DOOR (JUST BELOW THE WINDOW) AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND REMOVING THE KEYS. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TOWED TO EAST OF SWEDED (SAAB SPECIALISTS) IN BOULDER, CO FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR. THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE WAS REPLACED, AND THE PROBLEM SOLVED. I WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT SAAB USA HAS RECALLED THIS PART ON THE 2000, 2001, AND 2002 SAAB 9-3 AND 9-5S. I WAS TOLD THAT THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE WHICH WAS REMOVED FROM MY CAR IS THE EXACT SAME PART THAT WAS RECALLED ON THE OTHER MODEL YEARS, BUT THAT THE 1999 HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED. I STILL HAVE THE PART IN MY POSSESSION. *NM

THE CAR DEVELOPED AN ODD BURNING SMELL WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AND THE ENGINE QUIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTES. *NM

SAAB SAFETY ISSUE: MY THIRD NEW SAAB IS A 1999 9-5 SE V6. ON A RECENT TRIP TO JACKSONVILLE, FL, I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. THE SMALL JACK SUPPLIED WITH THE CAR WAS INADEQUATE TO SUPPLY SUFFICIENT LEVERAGE TO LIFT THE CAR. IN A COMPLAINT TO SAAB, I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS TOO OLD; HOWEVER, THE JACK WAS NEW (NEVER USED). FORTUNATELY, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. AT THE LEAST, THIS IS A MATTER OF GREAT INCONVENIENCE AND AT THE WORST A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT PRESENT AND FUTURE SAAB OWNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE SNOW TIRES CHANGED. ALL OF THE LUG NUTS ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE COULD NOT BE REMOVED DUE TO CORROSION. ADDITIONALLY, THE FOUR TIRES COULD NOT BE REMOVED DUE TO CORROSION AND RUST. TWO WEEKS AGO, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MOVED FROM A SALT BELT STATE. PRIOR TO PURCHASE, THERE WAS A RECALL, #03V006000 REGARDING THE WHEEL, CAPS, HUB AND COVER, PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE.

MY 1999 SAAB 9-5 SE TURBO V-6 HAS NOW HAD BOTH DIRECT IGNITION MODULES FAIL. THE FIRST ONE FAILED AS THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT CITY SPEEDS, THE CAR STALLED ONCE WAS RESTARTED AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A STRONG ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. FOUR MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE OTHER IGNITION MODULE. *NM