Complaints
30
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0
Worst 2004 Saab 9-5 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#18 complaints
Electrical Faults
Avg mileage:57,373 mi
Fires:1
#22 complaints
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
#32 complaints
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Saab 9-5.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | 1 | 57,373 mi | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Module | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And Attachments | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — |
Electrical Faults
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
57,373
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And Attachments
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Saab 9-5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Other Saab 9-5 Years
2004 Saab 9-5 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 2004 Saab 9-5 has 30 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 8 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Saab 9-5?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (8 complaints, avg 57,373 mi); Electrical System:Ignition:Module (2 complaints); Electrical System:Ignition:Switch (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Saab 9-5?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 57,373 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2004 Saab 9-5?
NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Saab 9-5 include 1 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2004 Saab 9-5 as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2004 Saab 9-5?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Saab 9-5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2004 Saab 9-5
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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