Model year guide

2003 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2003 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints49
Combined19–22 mpg
Typical price$1,244

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

2003 Saab 9-5 recalls 4

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #07V087000 · 07/03/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

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…

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint NHTSA Campaign #08V160000 · 09/04/2008

SAAB IS RECALLING 57,389 MY 2002-2008 9-5 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING COMPLIANCE TESTING, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A-PILLAR TRIM WITH IMPROVED ENERGY-ABSORBING CAPABILITY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Electrical System:ignition:module NHTSA Campaign #06V410000 · 26/10/2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2003. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007. NOTE: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SE…

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.

2003 Saab 9-5 common problems

Owners have filed 49 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.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2003 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined19–22 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,650

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2003 Saab 9-5 worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,244
High
$2,050

From 8 comparable 2003 Saab 9-5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,250
Fuel only$18,250
Per mile$0.24

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.

2003 Saab 9-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Linear 2.3T · Aero · Arc 3.0t
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl

2003 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3TYS3EB49E133034207 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0tYS3ED49ZX33002837 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 AeroYS3EH49G833008350 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 AeroYS3EH49G033006480 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3TYS3EB49E933026761 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3TYS3EB59E633009714 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3TYS3EB45E033012916 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3TYS3EB59E933014776 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 AeroYS3EH45G333044176 2003 Saab 9-5 2003 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0tYS3ED49Z133043714

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2011 2010 2006 2005 2004 2002 1999

2003 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 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 2003 Saab 9-5?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Saab 9-5 get?

The 2003 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

How much is a 2003 Saab 9-5 worth?

Comparable 2003 Saab 9-5 listings run roughly $700–$2,050, typically around $1,244 (from 8 vehicles).

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