Model year

2011 Saab 9-5

Sedan, flex fuel, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in Sweden. Owner complaints on file from Aug 23, 2013 to Dec 8, 2018.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints9Below the median 2011 sedan
Severity index0.02011 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2011 Saab 9-5 peaked in 2016, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0123420132015420172019202120232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

56% of complaints about the 2011 Saab 9-5 name lighting

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Lighting
5
Brakes
2
Airbags
1
Powertrain
1
Steering
1
Structure
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2011 Saab 9-5

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2011 Saab 9-5

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Dec 8, 2018Failure Oct 17, 201880,000 milesHolbrook, NYExterior lighting, Body

    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
  2. Filed Sep 5, 2018Failure Sep 3, 201866,000 milesFairfax Station, VAService brakes

    MY 2011 SAAB 9-5 IS CURRENTLY IN THE SAAB REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKE PEDAL REPLACED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS PROPER POSITION AND WAS LOCKING THE BRAKES ON AND ALSO LOCKING THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON. IT FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS HOLDING IT BACK. IN MY CASE I RUINED THE BRAKE ROTORS AND DISCS AS THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED. THIS COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE AND MADE THE CAR HARD TO HANDLE AND OF COURSE REDUCED THE PROPER BRAKING ABILITY. GM SHOULD PUT OUT AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL CASES LIKE MINE. IT TOOK A LONG TIME FOR ME TO BE AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. MOSTLY IN HOT AND HUMID WEATHER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE FIXED RIGHT AWAY. GM SAFETY RECALL NEEDED NOW! CONTACT SAAB IM AUTOHAUS, 551 N WASHINGTON ST, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046, AT (703) 534-0770, FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

    NHTSA complaint 11124540
  3. Filed Apr 29, 2016Failure Mar 23, 2016Philadelphia, PAAir bags

    TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    NHTSA complaint 10862214
  4. Filed Mar 30, 2016Failure Nov 1, 2015Neenah, WIExterior lighting

    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. THE BLUB AND SOCKET ARE MELTING TOGETHER. I HAVE LOOKED AT FORUMS AND MANY ARE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, CONSIDERING USING TURN SIGNALS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR MANEUVERS WE MAKE IN OUR VEHICLES AND TO KEEP OURSELVES, AND OTHERS, ESPECIALLY OUR PASSENGERS, OUR LOVED ONES SAFE ON THE ROAD, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED.

    NHTSA complaint 10852417
  5. Filed Mar 28, 2016Failure Mar 28, 201615,000 milesDuluth, GAExterior lighting

    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
  6. Filed Feb 5, 2016Failure Feb 3, 201687,000 milesPlant City, FLExterior lighting

    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
  7. Filed Nov 23, 2015Failure Apr 3, 201436,290 milesFrenchtown, NJService brakes

    ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT COMPLETELY RELEASE. NOTICED BY EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKE PADS/ROTORS, VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AND POOR GAS MILEAGE.

    NHTSA complaint 10806185
  8. Filed Jun 22, 2015Failure Jun 15, 201558,000 milesPlantsville, CTPower train, Steering

    HAVE A 2011 9-5 AERO AND JUST HIT 58K. VERY RECENTLY I'VE BEEN NOTICING THE POPPING/THUDDING WHEN DRIVING AWAY QUICKLY WITH THE WHEEL TURNED, EX: WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN AND TURNING LEFT/RIGHT. I ALSO CAN FORCE THE CAR TO EXHIBIT THE BINDING/GRINDING DEEP NOISE WHEN IN FIRST WITH THE WHEEL TURNED ALMOST AT LOCK EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT WITH VERY LITTLE THROTTLE DEPRESSION. READING ANY SAAB FORUM I COULD, AND SPEAKING TO DEALERS AND READING SERVICE BULLETINS IN RELATION TO THIS CAR, ALL OTHER SAAB VEHICLES WITH THE HALED 4.0 SYSTEM WHICH DEBUTED ON THE SAAB 9-3 TURBOX, IT IS VERY EVIDENT THIS IS NOT A SMALL AMOUNT OF AFFECTED VEHICLES. FROM WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, EVERY OWNER OF A SAAB THAT HAD THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM PROVIDED BY HALDEX HAS THESE CATASTROPHIC FAILURES OF THE SYSTEM CAUSING THE INABILITY TO DRIVE ONCE THE SYSTEM SHUTS ITSELF OFF, OR LOCKS WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY LEAVE OWNERS STRANDED OR CAUSE THE PROP-SHAFT TO BIND, THEN LOCK AT SPEED AND CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS TO BIND AND HOP AND LOCK CAUSING A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. THE DEALERS HAVE ADMITTED TO THE SYSTEM HAVING DESIGN FLAWS AND UPDATED PARTS AND REDESIGNED COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN RELEASED MULTIPLE TIMES. IF THIS IS AN ADMITTED DESIGN FLAW AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL AS DEALERS ARE CHARGING THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX ISSUES THAT ARE IMMINENT AND NOT AT THE FAULT OF THE OWNERS. QUOTES TO FIX THIS ISSUE RANGE FROM $3-7,000 AND THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND COVERED FOR REPAIRS FOR THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. A SIMPLE SEARCH ON XWD ISSUES ON GOOGLE CAN BRING UP DOZENS OF FORUM LINKS WITH LARGE COUNTS OF PAGE NUMBERS FOR EACH OF COMPLAINING OWNERS LISTING THEIR ISSUES AND DISCREPANCIES AND PRICES TO FIX THIS BOGUS ISSUE CAUSED BY A FLAWED DESIGN.

    NHTSA complaint 10726594
  9. Filed Aug 23, 2013Failure Aug 9, 201322,000 milesCordova, TNExterior lighting

    TL* 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
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

124 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • PIP4902W Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT3271Q Apr 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • PIP6104 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
  • PIP4902V Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIP4902U Jan 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5214G Nov 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of Genera…
  • 13598 Sep 9, 2025 · Other
    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
  • PIP4902T Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIC5650M Aug 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B306…
  • PIP4902S Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • 23-NA-001 Mar 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
  • PIT5962B Dec 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
  • PIT3271P Sep 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in …
  • General Communication Aug 26, 2024 · Service Campaign
    Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some …
  • 16-NA-383 Jun 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduc…
  • 06-00-89-029V May 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
  • PI0572B Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
  • PI0412B Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    No Crank/No Start, Dead Battery Due to Parasitic Drain/Discharge.
  • PI0412A Jan 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    No Crank/No Start, Dead Battery Due to Parasitic Drain/Discharge.
  • PI0754A Dec 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
  • PI0655A Dec 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information on Removal/Cracking of Stainless Steel Wheel Nut Caps.
  • PIT5353 Nov 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
  • 990420002I Nov 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information on Driveline Clunk Noise
  • 1406130001 Apr 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
  • Recalls Jun 30, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle Recalls
  • PIT5074H Dec 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
  • PIT4864F Mar 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
  • PIT5099A Nov 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
  • PIT5074H Dec 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
  • PIC5687D May 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Checking Smartphone Bluetooth Software Update Status
  • PIC5687C Mar 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Checking Smartphone Bluetooth Software Update Status
  • PIC5614A Jan 13, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Changing Turn-By-Turn Voice Response To Metric Or English Units
  • PIC5588A Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
  • 130090001 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information for Engine Oils Used in 2014 Model Year Vehicles
  • 130089010 Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PAC Courtesy Transportation Assistance Program
  • 130089008 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GM Wiring Repair Strategy Information
  • 130089004D Nov 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
  • 130089004C Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
  • 130089004B May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
  • 130089004A Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
  • 130089004 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
  • 130089003 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle Software Enhancements
  • 090730018C Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warranty Administration ? Change in Automatic Transmission Add Condition Documentation and Claim Submission
  • 990420002I Nov 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information on Driveline Clunk Noise
  • PIT5264B Nov 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
  • PIT5264 Mar 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
  • PIT5236B Dec 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OnStar Module Does Not Support All B101D Symptom Codes.
  • PIT5214 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GM TAC Support of Vehicle Vibration Complaints.
  • 1308116001A Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Aftermarket ALDL or DLC Interface Devices Causing Multiple Issues
  • 120089002A Nov 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Requesting a New Key Code for Customer with Lost or Stolen Keys
  • 19-NA-219 Mar 23, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
  • 23-NA-001 Feb 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
  • PIT3271N Nov 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in …
  • 04-06-04-051G Sep 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
  • 01-06-01-011M Sep 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
  • 01-00-89-010Q Sep 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
  • 00-06-01-012L Sep 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.