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Electrical systemPart report

2001 Saab 9-5 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
56about this part
Share
54%of 104 total for the year
Median mileage
58,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Saab 9-5, 54% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I just bought this car. The check engine light comes on indicating a serious problem. I had the error codes checked. They are p1312 and p1334. These codes indicate a problem with the dic (direct ignition controller). Earlier models were subject to recall. There is apparently still a problem. I keep clearing the warning signal, but it keeps recurring.”

NHTSA complaint #10521786, filed 2013-06, 101,550 miles

“I own a Saab 2001 95 4dr sedan with 58k miles and the car just shuts down while driving or doesn't start up initially. My wife was in traffic when this problem occurred and almost had an accident. A local repair service indicated a electrical problem and suggested we get in contact with Saab motor co.”

NHTSA complaint #10185190, filed 2007-03, 47,863 miles

“Turbo malfunction at a cost of $455.00 and also engine filter box.vehicle still not running correctly.will only go at speed of 25 MPH.repaired on 03/27/2018.started out smoking all over the place from exhaust.was told turbo went bad.I think a lot of these cars have this problem as I read on forums(Saab,).that I have since joined.the Saab has 139,000 miles..I was driving on a city street at speed around 35mph.started to smoke heavy,but once out of city as long as I drove 50 MPH on highway smoke was dispersed from wind and made it home but when stopping for red light would buck and try to shut…”

NHTSA complaint #11083893, filed 2018-04, 139,000 miles

“The engine on our 2001 Saab 9.5 wagon completely shut down as we exited I-10 north of san antonio texas. The vehicle was at a speed of 65 MPH and the engine just quit. We were able to stop the car at the exits intersection because of its length of about 1/4 mile. There was no warning, just no engine and no restart. The direct ignition cassette was replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10025942, filed 2003-07, 23,400 miles

“Ignition cassette failed while driving car. Car speed was appx 40 MPH, check engine light flashed and I lost engine power. Pulled car over and found black smoke coming out of ignition cassette. Cassette was very hot and I was concerned it would catch on fire. Car would not start thereafter.”

NHTSA complaint #10131920, filed 2005-08, 65,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2008210%
200716%
200629%
2005218%
20041368%
20032553%
20023351%
20015654%
20005748%
19997059%

Other parts of the 2001 Saab 9-5

Engine cooling
24 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 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