Saab

9-7X (1st)

2005-2009 · Midsize SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.6)
171 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
12 Fire Reports
0 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LH6

5.3L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.6)
62 complaints 12.4 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
23
fuel system
18
exterior
15
engine
10
safety systems
5

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (23 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (18 complaints)
Exterior Issues (15 complaints)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Saab 9-7X regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (43 complaints)
electrical critical
Exterior Issues (41 complaints)
exterior critical
Fuel System Issues (41 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Engine Issues (10 complaints)
engine cosmetic

Recalls (4)

15V519000Aug 13, 2015serious
Exterior Lighting

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

14V404000Feb 6, 2014serious
Visibility

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

13V248000Jun 12, 2013serious
Electrical System

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

12V406000Aug 15, 2012serious
Electrical System

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X problems?

The 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X has accumulated 171 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Exterior, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Saab 9-7X engine is most reliable?

The 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.2L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X a good used car?

The 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 171 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X have?

The 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X has 171 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Saab 9-7X?

Before buying a used Saab 9-7X, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Exterior, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 9-7X?

The 2009 Saab 9-7X received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 171 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver