Saab · 9-5 · 2008
2008 Saab 9-5
2
Recalls
20
Complaints
N/A
NCAP overall
The 2008 Saab 9-5 has 2 recalls and 20 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most frequent stored component label: air bags (18 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2008 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 2608
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2008 Saab 9-5 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is air bags with 18 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2008 Saab 9-5 currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 20 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows no overall NHTSA safety rating in our current dataset.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are air bags (18), electrical system (1), electrical system,air bags (1).
- Vehicle
- 2008 Saab 9-5
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 20
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- Not available in this dataset
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2008 Saab 9-5 4-DR. w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 2608
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
No overall score is available in our current dataset. The individual results below are not a combined safety rating; compare vehicles within the same test program and model year.
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 16V063000February 03, 2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Status
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
NHTSA ID: 08V160000April 09, 2008
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
20 totalAIR BAGS
Jan 6, 2020
I HAD MY AIRBAG REPLACED ON RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I NOW HAVE AN ERROR ALERT ON MY DASH INDICATING AN AIR BAG PROBLEM. MY SERVICE TECHNICIAN TELLS ME THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ME, BESIDES DRIVE AN UNSAFE CAR OR JUNK IT (PROBABLY ILLEGAL ...
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AIR BAGS
Jan 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH...
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AIR BAGS
Aug 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTA...
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AIR BAGS
May 23, 2016
TAKATA RECALL- I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM IN THE MAIL IN MAY 2016 REGARDING A RECALL FOR MY AIRBAG. I CALLED THE NUMBER THEY HAD REFERENCED TWICE TO FIND OUT ABOUT USING A RENTAL VEHICLE WHILE WAITING FOR THE PART. I WAS TOLD THAT GM WAS NOT PROVIDING RENTAL CARS FOR THOSE CON...
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AIR BAGS
May 11, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL ...
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AIR BAGS
May 4, 2016
TAKATA RECALL - WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MAY. WE LIVE IN SC. THE NEAREST SAAB DEALER TO US IS IN JACKSONVILLE, FL. WE'VE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS NOR ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THEY WILL GET THEM. SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS NO INFO EITHER. WHAT...
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AIR BAGS
May 4, 2016
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR LONG TIME FOR AN AIR BAG REPLACEMENT FROM GENERAL MOTORS WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR.
AIR BAGS
May 1, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE R...
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AIR BAGS
Mar 10, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. WHEN DO I GET MY AIRBAGS REPLACED? I HEARD FROM GM IN MARCH BUT THIS IS THE END OF AUGUST!!
AIR BAGS
Feb 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENC...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 20 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2008 Saab models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Saab 9-5 Years
2009 Saab 9-5Compare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.1r2c2007 Saab 9-5Compare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.2r17c2006 Saab 9-5Compare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.2r23c2011 Saab 9-5Compare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.9c2005 Saab 9-5Compare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.2r11c2004 Saab 9-5Compare this year against 2008 for complaint and recall shifts.2r19c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Saab 9-5 have?
The 2008 Saab 9-5 has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2008 Saab 9-5?
NHTSA has received 20 owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Saab 9-5.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2008 Saab 9-5?
An overall NHTSA safety rating is not available in our current dataset for the 2008 Saab 9-5. Individual crash-test results may still be available.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saab 9-5?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2008 Saab 9-5 are air bags (18 reports), electrical system (1 reports), electrical system,air bags (1 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2008 Saab 9-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2008 Saab 9-5. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.