2008 Saab 9-7X Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,246miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.2L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 14 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Saab 9-7X (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2008 Saab 9-7X. The part named most often is exterior lighting, with 9 complaints (41% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and engine (4). 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 6% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,246 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 787 technical service bulletins for this model year. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 12 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 156 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Exterior lighting9 41%
- Electrical system6 27%
- Engine4 18%
- Air bags2 9.1%
- Steering2 9.1%
- Brakes1 4.5%
- Equipment1 4.5%
- Other or unknown1 4.5%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “There is a recall for certain 2008 97x models, recall number 15v519000. The headlights come on when driving, but then flicker and go out, causing a huge safety issue . This is happening to my car, but Saab tells me my VIN is not included. The recall should be extended to include all 2008 97x model. At this time, some owners are getting it fixed for free and others, like me will have to pay for it.”
NHTSA complaint #10949208, filed 2017-02, 70,000 milesElectrical system: “This model has faulty/substandard design. I have had to replace rusted out trunk latch twice, drivers side window fails to close after several repairs, windshield has cracked 3 times, ( never have I previously had a crack in a windshield) , headlights continue to short out and have been replaced several times, among many other issues. Have no faith that this car has safe airbags. ?”
NHTSA complaint #10653671, filed 2014-11, 50,000 milesEngine: “I got a trouble code for cylinder #7 misfire. It is the lifters going out due to the afm or dod, whatever GM calls it. The system shutting down the 8 cylinder to 4 cylinders. $3000 job for something that I'm sure GM is very aware of. These 5.3s with this afm will have this problem. It's just a matter of when.”
NHTSA complaint #10822105, filed 2016-01, 99,950 milesAir bags: “Side airbags deployed randomly while driving down the road. This was not due to an accident or any type of impact. It was a random event. The vehicle is currently at the Saab/volvo dealership in charlotte, nc where it was originally purchased. They are trying to figure out why this happened and the dealership is saying they will not accept responsibility for repair costs. This is clearly a mechanical problem. The vehicle was in motion on the road at 45mph. We have pictures on our cell phone available.”
NHTSA complaint #10821069, filed 2016-01, 78,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
6% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 99,950 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Saab 9-7X. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-7X · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Saab 9-7X version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-7X AWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| 9-7X AWD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| 9-7X AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $6,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V519000Aug 14, 2015Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Saab 9-7X 2006–2008, Buick Lacrosse 2005–2009, Isuzu Ascender 2006–2008 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x…
Recall details for the 2008 Saab 9-7X → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 787 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
Other model years of the Saab 9-7X
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 17 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Stable |
| 2008 | 22 | 72,246 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 48 | 82,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 59 | 79,780 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 25 | 91,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Saab 9-7X model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Saab 9-7X have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2008 Saab 9-7X as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Saab 9-7X is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 9 complaints (41% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2008 Saab 9-7X been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Saab 9-7X get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Saab 9-7X (9-7X AWD, 4.2L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Saab 9-7X reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,246 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 99,950 miles; 6% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.