Model year guide

2004 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

2004 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints19
Combined20–21 mpg
Typical price$2,000

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

2004 Saab 9-5 recalls 2

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.

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.

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.

2004 Saab 9-5 common problems

Owners have filed 19 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.
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.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
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.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2004 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined20–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,638

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2004 Saab 9-5 worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$2,000
High
$3,000

From 6 comparable 2004 Saab 9-5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,190
Fuel only$18,190
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.

2004 Saab 9-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Arc 2.3T
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl

2004 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49A243001712 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49AX43013557 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED59A943006346 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED59A843510967 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49A543513836 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED59A343011879 2004 Saab 9-5 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3TYS3ED49AX43003756

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2011 2010 2006 2005 2003 2002 1999

2004 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2004 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 2004 Saab 9-5?

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Saab 9-5 get?

The 2004 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2004 Saab 9-5 worth?

Comparable 2004 Saab 9-5 listings run roughly $600–$3,000, typically around $2,000 (from 6 vehicles).

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