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Electrical systemPart report

2003 Saab 9-5 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
53%of 47 total for the year
Median mileage
79,654miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Saab 9-5, 53% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,654 miles. 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.

“My check engine light had been on- my mechanic said there was a recall (which I verified on your site), yet when I took it to Saab (and called), they said my particular VIN # was not covered. Amazing coincidence that the exact part that was recalled got replaced??!! Please advise me what I can/should do. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.”

NHTSA complaint #10249750, filed 2008-11, 79,654 miles

“The check engine light keep coming on and I had a mechanic checked and the di cassette was failing, and causing engine misfire. My Saab 9-5 is year 2003 model and only has about 70k miles. From what I read online, the part does have a limited and less than reasonable life. It was recalled for model year 2000 through 2002.”

NHTSA complaint #10232246, filed 2008-06, 70,000 miles

“2003 Saab / 9-5 -- 6-cylinder gasoline engine -- mileage: 80,956 -- manufacturer: Saab cars USA, inc. --my Saab suddenly and without warning had a loss of power, rough operation, check engine light and smoke. The sudden stop almost caused an accident. I found out this is due to an electrical system issue with the ignition module. I have replaced the part and with labor the cost was $441. My research has uncovered a recall in VIN numbers up to 7727. My VIN number ends less than 1000 later. The issue is exactly as identified in the recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #10390254, filed 2011-03, 80,956 miles

“I was driving the car when suddenly the car when dead while I was driving it.I was lucky that I was able to restart it and there was a gas station right near by. It did not start up normally and was very sluggish. I was in the middle of traffic when this happened but fortunately not heavy traffic and in the right lane. It was very scary. They towed my Saab to a Saab dealer for me who had to install a new ignition. This happened about 4-5 years ago on my Saab 2003 9-5 station wagon which was built by GM. I believe it was built on the same platform of one of the cadillacs that is under recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10573322, filed 2014-03, 50,030 miles

“I was driving approximately 30-35 MPH down a four lane road when the car stalled leaving me with no power at the accelerator. It became very difficult to steer the car and the brake pedal became very hard to depress. Luckily I was able to coast off the road where the car came to a complete stop blocking the entrance/exit of a gas station. I was less then 200 feet from where I was turning onto the entrance ramp of a highway. The gas station attendant was very upset telling me I can not leave my car there. The car would not start after several attempts. The car was towed to the mechanic. …”

NHTSA complaint #10496946, filed 2013-02, 112,000 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 2003 Saab 9-5

Engine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 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