10th Nov 2006, 13:14

As an owner of a SAAB 2002 Arc, I guess I've been lucky? I've had very few issues with the vehicle over the 52K miles. Had a water-pump and turbo failure under warranty and nothing else. I love to drive the car!

10th Nov 2006, 15:18

I have a lovely 2001 95 Aero Sport, bought in Jan.06. I love the car.. after owning a 1988 900..I was please to come across this driving machine. I am extremely concerned about having sensors replaced, back rotors, and now replacing two brand new tires (Fusions) that the used dealer put on the car in Jan, at 52k...car currently has 64k...so the steel is showing on two new tires that have 10k uses... mild use...Is the a history of these cars wearing tires?..Saab dealer tells me that rarely the rear rotors need replacing... especially ones with 64k..and can't they be turned?..The independent shop I use, due to 1.5 hours driving time to a dealer, tells me this car is going to drive me crazy!...and I don't have the time or the money to go crazy!!! I've spent close $1000.00 in 10 months...I'm thinking Honda also!

10th Nov 2006, 15:25

Daughter drives a 2000 9-5 Saab. The entire instrument cluster goes out when driving it and then comes back on eventually and after hitting a bump will go back out. I bought this car for my 16 year old thinking it would be safe and would last her into her college years pretty easily. It is a very nice car, and she loves it. I just didn't know it would be a money pit. Anyone know what might be wrong?

11th Nov 2006, 08:29

You'll be replacing wear & tear items like tires & brakes on your Honda too, and you won't have nearly as much fun driving to your destination either!

12th Nov 2006, 09:14

ABS REPAIR, I just repaired my ABS module. Cost was $180 total. When the ABS went, I lost use of my speedometer and odometer, and the whole instrument panel lit up. Not being a car guy at all, I followed the directions for replacing the fouled up ABS module, and it took me an hour to get it out. I had to take the battery and battery holder out as well as the fuse box. It took me a while to figure this out, but when I finally got to the ABS, it took me 30 seconds to get the ABS module off.

After pulling out the module, I sent it to www.bba-reman.com. I actually took it to their little office space in New Bedford, MA. They fixed the unit and sent it back to me a day later. It only took me 15 minutes to put the module back in and replace the fuse box and battery.

All my dashboard lights went out except my SRM light. The odometer and speedometer now work. I am very proud of myself for tackling this $2500 dealer cost problem for only $180.

Other replaced parts for my Gary Fisher SAAB 9-5:

SID, turbo, ignition (recall), radiator, tires every 25k.

Saab 9-5, Newport RI.

13th Nov 2006, 09:38

To the woman who was able to get Saab to replace her engine: I am having the same problem. Can you please provide more information about to whom you spoke and how you went about getting your reimbursement? I apologize if you have already done so, but I've been unable to find it. If nothing else, your struggles will serve to help others! Thanks.

14th Nov 2006, 07:40

Why don't you all just change your oil regularly, and you won't have to worry about replacing your engines.

In the majority of cases I still don't blame the vehicles, I blame neglectful owners.

Two oil changes a year??? Please!!!

14th Nov 2006, 13:25

The problem is that the sludge accumulates even with regular oil changes. My car is proof of that.

22nd Nov 2006, 08:04

I own a 2001 Saab 9-5. I change my oil every 10,000 miles for good reason. You are only supposed to use synthetic oil in Saabs. The use of regular oil will always cause sludge problems in a turbo engine. You pay more for synthetic, but it is the only way to keep your Saab engine from breaking down.

22nd Nov 2006, 12:36

Changing your oil every 10,000 miles is going far too long, even with synthetic oil. I would cut that in half if I were you. Personally I change mine every 3 months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first. I also use synthetic.

23rd Nov 2006, 12:49

I am the woman who had my engine replaced by Saab. Make sure you have all your oil change receipts and if you don't, make sure you them.

I'm glad to speak privately if you'd want to write to me at tocarol@earthlink.net.

In the meantime, call Saab US at 1-800-955-9007. You will get a customer service rep and tell them you believe your car should be covered under the Extended Warranty for Sludge damage. If you have any problem, ask to speak to the Customer Service Supervisor - Steve Joyner.

Good luck!

23rd Nov 2006, 20:44

I purchased a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 94,000 miles on it around 6 months ago and absolutely love it, apart from the SID fading in and out and the smell of crayons sometimes it has been nothing, but great and I have no complaints. It drives and handles well, as aged well and looks new. Its just an all around excellent car that has lived up to its name so far.

23rd Nov 2006, 22:00

The sludge problem occurs in Saab engines even with regular oil changes. This problem also appears in Volkswagen, Toyota, Audi, and Chrysler engines. It is because sludge occurs even with proper synthetic oil changes that these manufacturers have decided to extend the warranty on the engine, with the exception of Chrysler. To have your sludge damaged Saab covered under the extended warranty you must show receipts that you have had your oil changed approximately every 7500 miles... they don't insist on the oil being changed every 3000 miles.

In the Saab, I think the sludge is the result of the turbo's high temperatures. A solution might be the purchase of a Turbo Porsche.

24th Nov 2006, 06:43

Some of us prefer the comfort & practicality of a Saab over the raw power & razor-sharp handling of a Porsche.

Plus, we'd like to leave a little money in the bank!

24th Nov 2006, 10:56

I have heard of car companies doing some off-warranty work free of charge as a gesture of goodwill. I called GM about having my faulty SID display replaced and the manager declined. Anyone here have success at getting GM to replace a malfunctioning SID display without charge on a out-of-warranty Saab?

Like most Saab owners, I'll never buy another.