1999 Saab 9-5 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Saab 9-5, 8% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Abs brakes lock up when driving. Especially dangerous when driving at high speeds. As an example, typically brakes lock up when in stop and go heavy traffic, commonly at morning and evening rush hours. Dangerous when traffic clears up and there is suddenly need to accelerate to keep pace with traffic flow and the car locks up.”
NHTSA complaint #10124900, filed 2005-06, 70,000 miles“1999 Saab 9-5 has a faulty master cylinder, and vacuum booster which both had to be replaced at owners expense. In the past the consumer had to replace the water pump. Heater fan motor, thermostat. Leaky sunroof, battery, battery cables and numerous light bulbs.”
NHTSA complaint #10148678, filed 2006-01, 108,000 miles“Saab 1999 wagon- prior to event computer indicated rear light failure. Then brake failure occured, and cruise control would not disengage. Car could not be stopped, collision with highway wall. Car destroyed. No injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10131956, filed 2005-08, 115,000 miles“Vacuum brake booster developed an internal leak, causing momentary loss of braking action when first stepping on brake pedal during an emergency stop. During normal braking the brakes worked fine. Important!...the big danger here is that you don't know there is a problem with the booster till you have to make a quick stop where you need to jam on the brakes quickly!! You suddenly fine there is virtually no brakes for a second or two!! In normal braking they work fine.”
NHTSA complaint #10052759, filed 2004-01, 71,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10163056, filed 2006-07, 109,000 milesBrakes: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Saab 9-5
70 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Saab 9-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology