1999 Saab 9-5 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 14%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Saab 9-5, 14% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10217606, filed 2008-02, 126,300 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10162327, filed 2006-07, 95,000 miles“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #10432601, filed 2011-10, 97,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10185738, filed 2007-03, 96,500 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10020715Oct 1, 2006Noise from the timing chain and oil sludge in the engine.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 9% |
| 2004 | 2 | 11% |
| 2003 | 8 | 17% |
| 2002 | 13 | 20% |
| 2001 | 24 | 23% |
| 2000 | 14 | 12% |
| 1999 | 17 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1999 Saab 9-5
70 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 27, 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