Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2002 Saab 9-5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints: 3about this part
Share: 5%of 65 total for the year
Median mileage: 68,000miles
Trend: Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Saab 9-5, 5% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles.

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.

“I am experiencing a transmission issue with my 2002 Saab 9-5. Judging by the number of mentions I have seen in online forums, this is a pretty wide spread issue. The Saab TSB that relates to this issue is 440-2497, october 2004. My local dealer has advised me I need to foot the bill for a new transmission valve body. I believe this should be a recall issue. It appears very similar to the explorer/mountaineer valve body issue that was elevated to recall status a few years ago.”

NHTSA complaint #10199694, filed 2007-08, 72,000 miles

“Transmission clunk occurred with shifting from reverse to drive. Dealer diagnosed valve body and recommended transmission rebuild. Aamco diagnosed same issue resulting from metal shavings being released from torque converter into transmission. Entire transmission including torque coverter needed to be replaced at 74,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10202483, filed 2007-09, 68,000 miles

“While traveling at approximately 45 MPH the transmission warning light and check engine light both came on at the same time. Vehicle went into limp mode , where power is minimized making for a dangerous driving situation. Took vehicle to kachina Saab dealership in scottsdale, az and was told transmission was failing with only 50k miles of all highway driving. Also was told by mechanic at dealership this is common occurrence on all saabs with automatic transmissions, although I had a full vehicle service and inspection done just 2 weeks ago, at this same dealership, and all checked out great .”

NHTSA complaint #10159962, filed 2006-06, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
10041654Sep 7, 2010Saab: when attempting to program the service replacement tcm, sps programming error appears.

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2011	1	11%
2007	1	6%
2006	1	4%
2005	1	9%
2004	1	5%
2003	3	6%
2002	3	5%
2001	1	1%
2000	1	1%
1999	3	3%

Other parts of the 2002 Saab 9-5

Electrical system
33 complaints Engine cooling
13 complaints Fuel system
9 complaints Other or unknown
3 complaints Seat belts
3 complaints Air bags
2 complaints Steering
2 complaints Vehicle speed control
2 complaints Exterior lighting
1 complaints Latches, locks and linkages
1 complaints Seats
1 complaints Body 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 29, 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