1999 Saab 9-5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 59%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,448miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Saab 9-5, 59% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,448 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10173064, filed 2006-11, 73,897 miles“I was driving my car at highway speeds in the express lanes of 90/94 in chicago and experienced a dramatic loss of power. Was able to slowly travel to exit and get off onto surface streets. Had to have car towed to dealer. Direct ignition cassette was replaced. This is the *same* component that is currently under a voluntary recall for later model years of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10138343, filed 2005-10, 56,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10202979, filed 2007-09, 93,780 miles“Direct ignition cassette burned causing engine to stall. I was luckily able to drive in limp-home mode. Car taken to dealership. Diagnosed as burned dic. Mechanic stated that car should have died. Very fortunate to limp home. Dic replaced with new unit at my cost (out of warranty).”
NHTSA complaint #10142230, filed 2005-11, 71,000 miles“The ignition cassette on my 1999 Saab 9-5 required replacement two years ago when my husband observed smoke coming from the unit. It was no longer under warranty, and we purchased the part and made the replacement ourselves (one of the few things on a Saab that is not difficult). I see now that Saab has issued a recall for cars because this problem, but interestingly enough, the recall does not cover the 1999 model.”
NHTSA complaint #10138201, filed 2005-09, 78,223 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10039281Jun 16, 2011Gm: the wipers, turn signals, and power windows are inoperative. 1999-2009 saab 9-5.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 10% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 2 | 18% |
| 2004 | 13 | 68% |
| 2003 | 25 | 53% |
| 2002 | 33 | 51% |
| 2001 | 56 | 54% |
| 2000 | 57 | 48% |
| 1999 | 70 | 59% |
Other parts of the 1999 Saab 9-5
17 complaintsBrakes
9 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 28, 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