2002 Saab 9-5 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 20%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,450miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Saab 9-5, 20% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,450 miles. 2 a fire, 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.
“The engine on my 4 cylinder Saab 9-5 (2002) has suddenly stopped while driving at least 4 times since owning the car, both on the highway and in slower traffic. The first time I reported officially (2007) to the dealer, no cause was identified. I noticed the last time that it happened (around may 2011) that it seemed to coincide with inadvertently bumping into the ignition switch lightly while driving. The symptoms match that of another owner's complaint on this site for the 2002 Saab 9-5. …”
NHTSA complaint #10596487, filed 2014-06, 53,200 miles“Bolt came off on turbo-charger and blasted a hole through the turbo-charger. My car suddenly stopped accelerating during a merge and I almost crashed. This resulting in $2000 worth of repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10178684, filed 2007-01, 77,005 miles“While driving to work 28 april 2006 my 2002 Saab 9-6 b308 v6 engine car began sputtering and the engine light came on. I made it into the parking lot where I work then proceeded to call a Saab dealership. Saab dealership mechanic stated that the car's computer put itself into lame mode and that the car was safe to drive to dealership (15 miles away)and that it was probably an ignition module. I simply pulled car onto the parking lot and it sputtered to a stop/stall, smoke came from the hood and it wouldn't restart. I had the car towed to the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156779, filed 2006-05, 91,000 miles“March 25,'04, june 3,o4,june 10, 'o4;july 21'o4;aug 2,'04: traveling along highway keeping up with the flow of traffic (65 MPH) when a sudden and complete loss of power occurs necessitating emergency avoidance procedures to advert serious multi-car crash. Dealership,smithtown Saab (530 east jericho tpke, smithtown,ny,117870) says it's fixed -5 times. Not. Saab USA refuses to do anything despite my numerous calls. Car is a 2002 Saab 9-5,with 27,000 mles,under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10086069, filed 2004-08, 22,000 miles“While driving on the new jersey turnpike at 70 MPH the engine shut down, and vehicle lost power. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and computer was replaced. However, vehicle continued to shut down. ..in spring of 2004 .general sales automotive cover dealer of westchester, pennsylvania told consumer that the problem was due to carbon buildup in the engine. They cleaned the cylinder, and told consumer that this wasn't under warranty. This cost consumer approximately $500.00. Despite the cylinder's being cleaned vehicle continued to stall/hesitate at speed of 35-45 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10117777, filed 2005-06, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869Jun 15, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
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 2002 Saab 9-5
33 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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