DecodedCars2009 Saab 9-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD, Sportcombi 4dr Wagon FWD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,855–2,978 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints2 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 116 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Saab 9-5 is a midsize car offered with a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,855 lb (4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 3% worse than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 9-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 9-5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 190.6 in | 70.5 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 2,855 lb | 62/38 |
| Sportcombi 4dr Wagon FWD | 190.6 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 2,978 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-5 Sedan | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -3% | $3,200 | 423 |
| 9-5 SportCombi | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +7% | $3,200 | 423 |
| 9-5 Sedan | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | -7% | $3,350 | 444 |
| 9-5 SportCombi | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Saab 9-5 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Saab 9-5 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Passat | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 3, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V063000 · 113,716 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2009 Saab 9-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Saab 9-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Saab 9-5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 9-5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →