2003 Saab 9-5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Saab 9-5, 6% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 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.
“After driving my car to my destination, I put the car in park but the car won't stay in park. The car pops out of park into reverse, then it won't start when I get back into my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10618403, filed 2014-08, 131,000 miles“2003 Saab 9-5 aero transmission leaking directly through pores in metal casing (not seam or gasket) at less than 51000 miles (less than 1000 miles over warranty) requiring full transmission replacement. Saab USA offers to pay one third ($1700) of $5100 estimated cost. Although car had been in a wreck when it was about a year old, this could not be related. All recommended maintenance was performed by the dealer at or before the prescribed mileage was reached.”
NHTSA complaint #10170532, filed 2006-10, 50,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10041654Sep 7, 2010Saab: when attempting to program the service replacement tcm, sps programming error appears.
- 10011996Jan 1, 2004Automatic transmission springiness in drive and jerkiness with shift up.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-5
25 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTires
5 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 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