Model year guide

1999 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

1999 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints121
Combined19–22 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Saab 9-5 recalls 2

Wheels:hub NHTSA Campaign #03V006000 · 13/01/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF AN OWNER CHANGES THEIR WHEELS/TIRES BETWEEN SUMMER AND WINTER USING A STEEL WHEEL IN THE WINTER AND AN ALLOY WHEEL IN THE SUMMER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR RUST AND CONTAMINATION TO BUILD UP ON THE WHEEL HUB DURING THE STEEL WHEEL USAGE. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE CONTAMINATION IS NOT REMOVED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AFTER THE TIRE CHANGE SERVICE, SOME OF THIS CONTAMINATION COULD FLAKE OR GRIND A…

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY MAIL AND ASKED WHETHER THEY CHANGE BETWEEN STEEL AND ALLOY WHEELS. IF THEY DO ENGAGE IN THIS PRACTICE, THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE WHEELS, CLEAN ANY CONTAMINATION FROM THE WHEEL AND WHEEL HUB, AND REPL…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #98V139000 · 23/06/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 Saab 9-5 common problems

Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

1999 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined19–22 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,383

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,915
Fuel only$16,915
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1999 Saab 9-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · 2.3t
Engines
2.3L · 3.0L 6-cyl

1999 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

1999 Saab 9-5 1999 Saab 9-5 SEYS3EF48E7X3082211 1999 Saab 9-5 1999 Saab 9-5 SEYS3EF48EXX3090531 1999 Saab 9-5 1999 Saab 9-5 SEYS3EF48Z9X3077966 1999 Saab 9-5 2.3tYS3ED45E7X3026523 1999 Saab 9-5 2.3tYS3ED48E0X3002446

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2011 2010 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

1999 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1999 Saab 9-5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saab 9-5?

Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, structure.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-5 get?

The 1999 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.