2011 Saab 9-5 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 56%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Saab 9-5, 56% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 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.
“The rear tail lights overheat, causing the bulbs to burn out and wiring to melt. We have had the bulbs and sockets replaced multiple times on both sides since 2013, but the only thing that fixes the problem is replacing the entire assembly. Just had the socket and bulb for passenger side replaced twice in one month, and it is gone again.”
NHTSA complaint #10824423, filed 2016-02, 87,000 miles“Premature wear (burn-out) of the halogen-style light bulbs in each of the rear turn signal and brake lights (the halogen lights serve as both a turn signal and brake light). The halogen lights appear to burn out every 4-6 months. The bulbs are creating excessive heat within the light housing and melting/fusing to the plastic housing. I believe this is potentially a fire risk. There is premature rust forming on the trunk lid aswell.”
NHTSA complaint #11156954, filed 2018-12, 80,000 miles“About once a month since about 10,000 miles I have had to replace one of the rear brake light socket assemblies because the plastic insert that holds the light bulb is melting. When it heats and melts, its shape slightly distorts disconnecting the connection between the light bulb and the light bulb holder. Thank goodness there are replacement parts on ebay but having to spend an extra 20 bucks every other month seems ridiculous and certainly something worthy to look into as a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10852021, filed 2016-03, 15,000 miles“Since 35,000 miles, I am constantly getting notification errors to a replace rear turn signal with each usage of it. Simultaneously, the signal blinking is overaggressive, announcing its malfunction to my fellow road companions and traffic authorities who then politely tell me multiple time a day that my turn signal is about to go out. Although I appreciate this, I have replaced the bulb multiple times to rule out faulty bulbs. Within a couple of days, the issue starts all over again. The turn signal blinks at 160+ clicks per minute versus the accepted 80 cpm. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852417, filed 2016-03“The contact owns a 2011 Saab 9-5. The contact stated that the check rear taillight warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both tail light bulb sockets needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 22,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10536965, filed 2013-08, 22,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 Saab 9-5
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Saab 9-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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