2001 SAAB 9-5 Electrical System Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

MY 2001 SAAB 9-5 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR AWHILE ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES STALL RANDOMLY AND NOT START UNTIL ENGINE COOLS DOWN. THE CODES FOR CEL LEAD TO DIRECT IGNITION. A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES, ONE MY VEHICLE RECEIVED. I CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID SEEING AS IT WAS ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF ONCE NOTHING CAN BE DONE. I KNOW I WILL TO HAVE TO GET IT FIXED TO PASS EMISSIONS TESTING DUE TO FAULTY DIRECT IGNITION. NOT TO MENTION HOW UNSAFE IT IS IF IT STALLS. *TR

Mileage: 174,621

I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I HAD THE ERROR CODES CHECKED. THEY ARE P1312 AND P1334. THESE CODES INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE "DIC" (DIRECT IGNITION CONTROLLER). EARLIER MODELS WERE SUBJECT TO RECALL. THERE IS APPARENTLY STILL A PROBLEM. I KEEP CLEARING THE WARNING SIGNAL, BUT IT KEEPS RECURRING. *TR

Mileage: 101,550

I HAVE A 2001 SAAB 9-5. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DIRECT IGNITION COIL TWICE IN MY CAR. I RECENTLY READ THAT THIS ITEMS HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND I WANT TO SEE IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND FOR THE WORK DONE. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED A NO START CONDITION. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THE IDM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) IN 2006; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,074.

Mileage: 89,074

I HAD A "DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE" FAILURE ON MY SAAB 9-5 2001. I FOUND FROM WWW.SAABSERVICES.COM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR MODEL YEARS 2000-2002. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT MY VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH IN THAT CATEGORY, DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A RECALL PART REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, I HAVE COPIED THE NOTICE BELOW AND AM FILING A COMPLAINT AS INDICATED IN THE NOTICE BELOW. TAKEN FROM THE WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.SAABSERVICES.COM/SAAB%20DIRECT%20IGNITION%20CASSETTE%20FAILURES.HTM "SAAB DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURES UPDATE! A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED, FOR MODEL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2002. DI CASSETTES HAVE A SERIAL NUMBER ON THEM. THE COVERED UNITS ARE SERIAL # D000000-D336210 AND B083821-B096117 FOR 4CYL ENGINES, AND C048743-C073404 FOR 6CYL ENGINES. CONTACT YOUR SAAB DEALER FOR MORE INFO! BE AWARE THAT THE PRICE HAS DECLINED SIGNIFICANTLY, BUT WE DO NOT EXPECT THIS TO LAST VERY LONG. WE HAVE REPLACED MANY OF THESE IGNITION CASSETTES, AND FEEL THAT THEY DO HAVE A LIMITED ( LESS THAN REASONABLE) LIFE. IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE, AND YOUR VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL GROUP, YOU MAY WISH TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA." *TR

Mileage: 86,000

ON TWO OCCASIONS OUR 2001SAAB,9.5 6 CYLINDER TRANSMISSION CASSETTE FAILED. LEAVING MY HUSBAND AND MY SELF STRANDED WITH A SMOLDERING CAR. ON OCT 19TH 05 WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HWY IN THE NICK OF TIME, HEAVY SMOKE HAD BEGUN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BUT THE IGNITION CASSETTE,THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, THE WIRE HARNESS, BATTERY AND,SPARK PLUGS WERE DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENCE WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS IN A SEASONAL DRY FOREST AREA. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT A WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN A SAFE SPOT. ON AUG.15TH, 08. THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AGAIN AND AS BEFORE THE SPARK PLUGS, INSTALLED SEVERAL MONTHS PREVIOUSLY HAD TO BE REPLACED THE CONTINUED FAILURE OF THIS PART IN AN INTRINSIC MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS OF THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT SAAB/ G.M NEEDS TO BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE AUTO'S AND REPLACE THE FLAWED IGNITION CASSETTE. NEITHER OF THE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES INSTALLED IN OUR CAR HAVE HAD THE VIN NUMBERS RECALLED. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

2001 SAAB 9-5 V6. DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. RECALL WAS ISSUED, (RECALL 05V399000: IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE OVERHEATING) FOR THIS CAR YEAR AND TYPE. MINE FAILED AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PART # MATCHES THE RECALLED PART #. ALL I WANTED WAS THE PART REPLACED. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 120,000

COMPLAINT IS THAT SAAB USA HAS DECLINED TO REPLACE/REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE IDM/DIC WHICH FAILED ON OUR 2001 SAAB 9-5 V-6 VIN # . THIS WAS A RECALL BY NHTSA IN 2006. (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # IS 05V399000) SAAB USA DENIED THIS REPAIR AS THEIR DATA BASE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS VIN #. (THIS SERVICE REQUEST # TO SAAB USA IS 17613448567) THE FINAL DECISION ON THIS FROM SAAB USA CAME FROM AN UN-NAMED SUPERVISOR AT 1-866-790-5600 EXT # 31078. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR WAS $677.50, INCLUDING $70.00 FOR TOWING TO A NEARBY FOREIGN AUTO REPAIR FACILITY. FROM EXHAUSTIVELY SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND ALSO PROVIDED TO ME BY THE REPAIR FACILITY, THE SERIAL NUMBERS OF THE DEFECTIVE IDM/DIC WERE FOUND. THE FAULTY UNITS FOR A V-6 ENGINE ARE C048743 THROUGH C073404. THE SERIAL # FROM THIS VEHICLE THAT FAILED IS C061858. THIS INFORMATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO THE SUPERVISOR AT SAAB USA (MESSAGE-RECORDING), BUT HAS NEVER RESPONDED TO THIS ADDITIONAL FINDING AND CONTINUED CLAIM FOR COST REIMBURSEMENT. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED ON THIS MATTER. FROM INTERNET INFO, OTHERS HAVE BEEN SIMILARLY "STONEWALLED" BY SAAB USA COMPLIANCE TO YOUR ORDER. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

WE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE STALLING AND UPON RECOMMENDATION OF OUR MECHANIC WE LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR ANY INFORMATION OUT THERE FOR THIS VEHICLE. I CONTACTED SAAB USA AND THERE WAS A VALID OPEN RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS VEHICLE. WE ARRAIGNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HERITAGE SAAB IN MORROW, GA AND ACCORDING TO THEIR TECH'S THEY COMPLETED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IDM IN ACCORDANCE TO THE RECALL NOTICE, BUT IN A MATTER OF A COUPLE OF WEEKS THE PROBLEM RETURNED. NOW WE CAN'T EVEN CRANK THE VEHICLE DUE TO IT CUTTING OFF AS SOON AS YOU CRANK IT. IT WILL APPEAR TO BE RUNNING, BUT THE ENGINE HAS STALLED AND IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT RECRANK UNTIL AFTER A FEW MINUTES HAS GONE BY. *TR

Mileage: 94,032

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DI CASSETTE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, WHICH IS THE SAME AS THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Mileage: 55,000

DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION PANEL FAILED IN THE FIRST 20,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN BEFORE 50,000 MILES. OTHERS I HAVE SPOKEN TO WITH THE SAME MODEL HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE CALLED THE TOLL FREE NUMBER NOTED ON THE SAFETY RECALL #05V399000 FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE, AND PROVIDED THE VIN HE WAS TOLD THAT SOMEONE WOULD GET BACK TO HIM. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT HE COULD HAVE BEEN TOLD WHETHER OR NOT THE SAFETY RECALL APPLIED TO THIS VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. THE RECALL STATED THAT STALLING MAY OCCUR. RECENTLY THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING AT 5 - 10 MILES, AND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY STALLED ONCE. THE WEATHER ON 02/06 WAS CHILLY, BUT CLEAR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 102467. *AK CONSUMER STATES MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO HONOR RECALL. UPDATE *4/23/07 *TR

Mileage: 102,467

2001 SAAB SID DISPLAY. THE LINES DISAPPEAR AND THE DISPLAY WILL NOT SHOW ANYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING TO THE CAR. THIS DISPLAYS IS VITAL TO THE OPERATION. IT FAILED WITH LESS THAN 50,00 MILES AND IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE SAAB'S. *JB

Mileage: 48,000

DRIVING ON THRUWAY,CRUISE WENT OFF SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED,CK ENGINE LIGHT ON. ENGINE STALLED WOULD ONLY IDLE AND SHAKE WOULDN'T MOVE. HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP CLEARED CODE RAN 1/2 DAY OK THEN CK LIGHT CAME BACK ON, PULLED IT BACK INTO MY SHOP. I SEARCHED INTERNET FOR SOLUTIONS POINTED TO FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. I"M A CERTIFIED FOR 34 YEAR MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN SO I TOOK IT OFF AND DISASSEMBLED IT AS I WANTED TO GET TO THE BOTTOM AS IT"S REASON FOR FAILURE. I DISCOVERED EVERYTHING WAS OK EXCEPT ALL OF THE WIRE INSULATION WITHIN THE INTERNAL AREA OF THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED AND PEELED AWAY CAUSING A ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SPIKE. THIS IS DUE TO THE USE OF INFERIOR WIRE INSULATION NOT DESIGNED FOR IT"S APPLICATION. DLR HAD NEW $457.00 PART IN STOCK. I INSTALLED IT,WORKED FINE DLR INSPECTED IT. I LEFT THE OLD PART WITH THEM FOR POSSIBLE SPECIAL WARRANTY CONSIDERATION WITH SAAB USA.SAAB DECLINED WARRANTY 01/02/07, I NOW HAVE THE OLD PART. THIS CAR HAS ALSO HAD 12 IGN SWITCH PROBLEMS WHERE 6 TIMES IT WAS REPLACED,THE LAST ONE WAS 11/17/06 COVERED BY WARRANTY,ALSO 6 HEADLIGHTS & 6TAIL LIGHTBULBS REPLACED & COUNTING NOT WARRANTY. I HAVE ALL WORK ORDERS. *NM

Mileage: 61,198

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL WORK FOR NHTSA RECALL # 05V399000, PERTAINING TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION MODULE WAS PERFORMED UNSATISFACTORILY. THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER WAS CONTACTED, WHO DETERMINED A SECOND REPAIR WOULD NOT BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO RETURN CALLS PROVIDED.

Mileage: 46,500

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE A 24 POINT INSPECTION WAS PREFORMED AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH., ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, ON A CLEAR, DRY DAY, THERE WAS LOSS OF ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE SUFFERED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO COVER $2,000.00 OF THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST HOWEVER THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR WORK. SINCE THEN A RECALL NOTICE (05V399000) WAS RECEIVED REGARDING THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (SAAB RECALL # 05087). THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE RECALL DEFECT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE.

Mileage: 57,894

2001 SAAB 9-5, CONSUMER HAS NOT RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALL WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL ONE MONTH LATER, AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE ALREADY PAID FOR. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT HER REFUND, SHE WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER, THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ALL OF THE PAPERWORK AND ALSO THEY DIDN'T HAVE HER ADDRESS. NINE MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER STILL HAS NOT RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. *JB

Mileage: 43,701

IDM (IGNITION CASSETTE) FAILURE 1ST OCCURRENCE: 10/11/2005 (48,000 MILES) 2ND OCCURRENCE: 4/10/2006 (54,000 MILES). *NM

Mileage: 54,000

2001 SAAB 9-5 RUNS ROUGH THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE IDM DUE TO FAILURE. *TS ***NAR*** AFTER THE IDM REPAIRS WERE MADE THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE WHICH REFERENCED THE PROBLEM THE CONSUMER HAD REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED A CLAIM REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *NM

Mileage: 110,119

IGNITION MODULE FAILED WHILE DRIVING, LEADING TO LOSS OF POWER MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED AND IT AND THE IGNITION MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SECOND TIME WAS AFTER IGNITION MODULE REPLACE IN 10/05. *JB

Mileage: 87,000

I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE 2001 SAAB 9-5 SE (V6 ENGINE) WAGON AT 45-50 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DECELERATED. I KNEW ABOUT DI CASSETTES FAILURE AND STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR OR AFTER THIS EPISODE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL SAAB DEALER. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART FOR FREE DUE TO FUTURE RECALL (DI CASSETT ONLY). THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED DUE FAILURE OF THE IDM TOO, BUT IT DOES NOT COVERED AND IT WAS REPLACED AT COST OF $2026.48. +10 DAYS I WAS WATING FOR PARTS. THIS CAR HAS HAD OTHER "SMALL" ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LIKE MULTIPLE LIGHT BULB BURN OUTS, LOSS OF PIXELS ON THE SID DISPLAY, SUDDEN INCREASE BRIGHTNESS OF ALL LIGHTS, FAILURE OF REAR SEATS HEATER. *NM

Mileage: 92

ON A 2001 SAAB 9-5 SE (V6 ENGINE) STATIONWAGON WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AS I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO AN EXIT RAMP (WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE OF THE MALFUNCTION), THE CAR STALLED AND A BURNING SMELL WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE CAR AFTER WHICH THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL SAAB DEALER WHERE THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE ON THE REAR CYLINDER BANK WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE FAILED. FAILURE OF THE IDM ON ONLY 3 OUT OF 6 CYLINDERS CAUSED UNBURNED GAS TO BE DISCHARGED INTO THE EXHAUST WHERE IT REACTED IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CLOGGING THE CONVERTER AND STALLING THE ENGINE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS RUINED WHICH CAUSED THE BURNING SMELL. NO FIRE WAS DETECTED. THE IDM AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED. *JB

Mileage: 68,500

I HAVE A 2001 SAAB AERO 9-5. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE INTO THE SAAB SERVICE DEPARTMENT OVER 15 TIMES TRYING TO FIX MY PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND MANY TIMES WILL NOT RESTART. I HAVE ALSO HAD MANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ELECTRICAL MODULES FOR THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING, HEATED AND AIR CONDITIONED SEATS NOT WORKING AND MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL MODULES GOING OUT. *NM

Mileage: 30,000

DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, CAUSING CAR TO LOSE POWER AND STOP. VEHICLE IS A SAAB 95, 2001, V6, SE WAGON, DATE OF SECOND INCIDENT IS BELOW.*JB

Mileage: 108,636

IGNITION CASSETTE FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAR. CAR SPEED WAS APPX 40 MPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED AND I LOST ENGINE POWER. PULLED CAR OVER AND FOUND BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT OF IGNITION CASSETTE. CASSETTE WAS VERY HOT AND I WAS CONCERNED IT WOULD CATCH ON FIRE. CAR WOULD NOT START THEREAFTER. *NM

Mileage: 65,000

I HAVE AN '01 9-5 AND HAVE HAD THE DI CASSETTES FAIL TWICE, ONCE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE FIRST DIC FAILURE WAS ON 8/19/2003 AT 62,453 MILES WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD ONE DI CASSETTE AND 6 SPARK PLUGS REPLACED ON 8/20/2003. ON 12/22/2003 (4 MONTHS LATER) WITH 64,080 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SUDDENLY I WAS ONLY ABLE TO TRAVEL AROUND 20-30 MPH WITH MUCH SHAKING TO THE VEHICLE. THIS DIC FAILURE CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BURN UP. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT BOTH DI CASSETTES HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHEN ONE FAILS OR YOU RUN THE RISK OF RECURRENCE. I HAD TWO DI CASSETTE, ONE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ONE THERMOSTAT, AND SPARK PLUGS REPLACED ON 12/23/2003 (ONE DIC WAS CREDITED BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS WORK ON 8/20/2003). I WAS ADVISED ON 7/22/2005 THAT I DO NOT HAVE THE LATEST SAAB 9-5 TRIONIC UPDATE THAT INCLUDES CHANGES TO PROTECT AGAINST DI CASSETTE FAILURES. PERHAPS THERE WERE ERRORS IN THE OLD CODE THAT WERE CAUSING ALL THE DIC FAILURES, OR PERHAPS THIS IS AN UPDATE TO ADD FAIL-SAFES TO MINIMIZE THE CHANGE OF DIC FAILURES.

Mileage: 62,453

I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DECELERATED TO 3-5 MPH. VEHICLE STALLED ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM AND THE CAR SEEMED FINE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE POWER LOSS. I OBSERVED HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DETECTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM SCENE TO LOCAL SAAB DEALER. PROBLEM WAS DIAGONOSED AS A FAULTY DIRECT IGNITION CASSETE AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AT A COST OF $500. DAMAGED PART IS AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 63,500

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 95 SAAB AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY DIED IN TRAFFIC , THIS I FOUND OUT WAS DUE TO THE DI MODULE , IT APPEARS THAT MANY SAABS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE ACCORDING TO MY DEALER, THEY HAVE HAD MANY FAILURES RECENTLY WITH NO WARNING(S) TO THE DRIVER. FORTUNATLEY I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROD TO AVOID ANY COLLISION. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY HAZARD AND A RECALL FOR ALL SAAB 9-5 VEHICLES BE GENERATED , AS I AM SURE MANY OF THESE INSTANCES ARE NOT REPORTED

Mileage: 57,000

ADD MY 2001 SAAB 9-5 WAGON, 6 CYL, TO THE LIST OF THOSE WITH DI CASSETTE FAILURE. TRAVELING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ON A BEAUTIFUL JUNE MORNING THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. WHEN I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, A PUFF OF SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A DISTINCT BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD. MY MECHANIC BELIEVES THE FAULTY DI CASSETTE MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE FOR THE 2 PREVIOUS CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURES. THE CAR HAS HAD OTHER ELECTRICAL IDIOSYNCRACIES, INCLUDING FREQUENT LIGHT BULB BURN OUTS, LOSS OF PIXELS ON THE MAIN DISPLAY SCREEN, SUDDEN EXTREME BRIGHTNESS OF ALL DISPLAY SCREENS, AND SPORADIC TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS FAILURE WARNINGS ON STARTING. THE LATTER GENERALLY GOES AWAY WHEN THE CAR IS RESTARTED. THE SAAB DEALER IN FLINT AND THE DEALER REP HAVE BEEN UNRESPONSIVE TO THE POINT OF NEGLIGENCE ON THE CAT FAILURES, LUCKILY I HAVE A GOOD AND HONEST LOCAL SAAB MECHANIC AT RALLYE IMPORTS IN MIDLAND. SAAB SHOULD RECALL FOR THE DI CASSETTE AND SHOULD REIMBURSE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DISPLAY SCREEN. IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING, THIS IS THE MOST UNRELIABLE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED.

Mileage: 91,899

MY CAR HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES. NO WARNING, NO ESCALATION, JUST SUDDEN. SID L.C.D. DISPLAY IS MISSING DOTS AND LINES CAUSING UNREADABLE DISPLAY. CHECKED SEVERAL "SAAB" DISCUSSION FORUMS AND APPERANTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WHICH DAMAGES THE VALUE OF A $40,000+ CAR. I AM AFRAID TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH THIS IS GOING TO COST TO REPAIR AFTER SEEING HOW MANY 9-5 OWNERS HAVE POSTED "HOME REMEDY" REPAIR METHODS FOR THIS. UPPER RADIATOR HOSE- THIRD ONE IN FIFTY THOUSAND MILES FROM MYSELF AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER WHOM I KNEW. THEY ALL BURST IN THE SAME PLACE. PRESSURE RELIEF CAP TESTED OK. THERE IS NO AFTERMARKET MANUFACTURER OF THIS HOSE THAT I KNOW OF TO FALL BACK ON FOR A POSSIBLY MORE RELIABLE PRODUCT. AND ALSO, I AGAIN AFTER SEARCHING THROUGH DISCUSSION FORUMS DISCOVERED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HOOD BADGE. ENAMEL CRACKED AND FLACKED OFF OF THE HOOD BADGE ON THIS GARAGE KEPT CAR. LUCKILY I HEAR (BECAUSE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE) THAT THESE ARE CHEAP. MY CAR HAS LOST VALUE TO NO FAULT OF MINE AND I AM GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE THESE THINGS REPAIRED (ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE) TO REGAIN THAT LOST VALUE.

Mileage: 50,000

1. DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITH OUT ANY WARNING. 2. CAR COULD BREAK BUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING WAS NON FUNTIONAL, STEERING FUNCTIONED WITH OUT POWER ASSISTANCE, BUT VERY HARD TO SAFELY STEER VEHICLE. 3. WAS ABLE TO MOVE CAR OFF ROAD INTO GRASS DITCH AWAY FROM REAR TRAFFIC. 4. BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM DRIVERS SIDE OF ENGINE WITH SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC AND RUBBER. 5. CERTIFIED SAAB MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CAR AND FOUND THAT THE IGNITION CASSETTE FAILED AND BURNED FROM WITHIN. REPLACED IGNITION CASSETTE AT A COST OF $500. 6. THERE ARE TWO IGNITION CASSETTES IN THE SAAB 95. THE REMAINING UNIT HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. 7. IF THIS FAILURE TOOK PLACE ON A HIGHWAY IN FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, A TRAGIC ACCIDENT COULD RESULT. THERE IS NO WARNING OF THE FAILURE. I HAD THREE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. 8. THERE WAS SOME MINOR SMOKE DAMAGE IN THE VEHICLE COMPARTMENT, THE FIRE WAS INTERNAL TO THE FAILED UNIT AND DID NOT SPREAD. HOWEVER TOXIC LIKE FUMES FROM THE BURNING PLASTIC EXISTED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING PASSENGERS TO COUGH. 9. SAAB USA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THE INCIDENT I REVIEWED MANY SAAB WEBSITES AND FOUND OTHER INCIDENTS OF COMPLETE ENGINE FALURE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM TO FIX. IT ALSO POSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES. 10. SAAB USA SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.

Mileage: 61,000

ADD YET ANOTHER DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE TO THIS LIST OF COMPLAINTS!! DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE THE CAR QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. SMOKE AND FIRE ENSUED. WHERE IS THE RECALL??!?!?!?

Mileage: 41,000

ADD YET ANOTHER DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE TO THIS LIST OF COMPLAINTS!! DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE THE CAR QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. SMOKE AND FIRE ENSUED. WHERE IS THE RECALL??!?!?!?

Mileage: 41,000

DT: VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ,AND THE VEHICLE JUST STALLED AND STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER REPORTED THAT THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK

Mileage: 30,000

DT: VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ,AND THE VEHICLE JUST STALLED AND STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER REPORTED THAT THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK

Mileage: 30,000

DRIVING AT 65MPH IN FAR LEFT LANE OF HIGHWAY AND SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED--COULD ONLY GO 20-30 MPH FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE BURNING SMELL. WAS ABLE TO COME TO RIGHT SHOULDER WHILE DODGING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC) FAILURE 1 OF 2 DIC'S IN 6 CYLINDER ENGINE). SECOND VISIT REQUIRED FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT--WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIRD VISIT FOR ANOTHER CEL FOR SECOND DIC FAILURE.*AK

Mileage: 23,000

DRIVING AT 65MPH IN FAR LEFT LANE OF HIGHWAY AND SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED--COULD ONLY GO 20-30 MPH FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE BURNING SMELL. WAS ABLE TO COME TO RIGHT SHOULDER WHILE DODGING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC) FAILURE 1 OF 2 DIC'S IN 6 CYLINDER ENGINE). SECOND VISIT REQUIRED FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT--WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIRD VISIT FOR ANOTHER CEL FOR SECOND DIC FAILURE.*AK

Mileage: 23,000

DRIVING AT 65MPH IN FAR LEFT LANE OF HIGHWAY AND SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED--COULD ONLY GO 20-30 MPH FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE BURNING SMELL. WAS ABLE TO COME TO RIGHT SHOULDER WHILE DODGING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC) FAILURE 1 OF 2 DIC'S IN 6 CYLINDER ENGINE). SECOND VISIT REQUIRED FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT--WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIRD VISIT FOR ANOTHER CEL FOR SECOND DIC FAILURE.*AK

Mileage: 23,000

I OWN A SAAB 9-5 WAGON, 2001. WHEN IT WAS ONLY 3000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY, TWICE THE UNIT (ALARM SYSTEM) FAILED, PRESUMABLY BECAUSE IT HAD GOTTEN WET. SAAB SAYS THAT WHEN THE AC DRAINS ARE BLOCKED, IT CAN BACK UP INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, THUS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TWICE UNIT. WHEN THE TWICE UNIT FAILS, IT BURNS OUT ALL 5 DOOR LOCK MOTORS, SINCE IT ERRONEOUSLY SENDS A CONSTANT ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TO THE MOTORS. I SEE THIS PROBLEM AS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. THE TWICE UNIT SHOULD NOT BE LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND SHOULD NOT BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER DAMAGE. ALSO, THE AC DRAINS SHOULD NOT GET BLOCKED SO EASILY, CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE. AND THE FAILURE OF THE ALARM SYSTEM SHOULD NOT CAUSE THE DOOR LOCK MOTORS TO BURN OUT. SAAB DOES NOT HAVE A VEHICLE SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A MAJOR DEFECT OR DESIGN FLAW. IT COSTS THE CONSUMER OVER $2500 TO REPAIR. I HAVE HAD THE TWICE UNIT REPLACE, BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT OPERATE WITHOUT A FAILED UNIT. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *JB

Mileage: 62,000

ADD ME TO THE LIST OF DRIVERS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH TOTAL LOSS OF POWER BECAUSE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE BURNT UP. THE CAR ONLY HAD 62,000 MILES. IT COST OVER $1,300 TO REPLACE. *JB

MULTIPLE TIMES THE CAR, WHEN WARM WILL JUST WITHOUT WARNING. ALL ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE SIMULTANEOUSLY QUITS LEAVING THE DRIVER TO DEAL WITH A SITUATION OF NO POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. MULTIPLE TRIPS TO DEALER HAS RESULTED IN NO DIAGNOSIS AND GENEARL APATHY ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS STIL UNDER WARRANLTY BUT IT OFFERS NO VALUE. CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE AS THE LAST EVENT WAS AT A ELEMENARY SCHOOL WHERE A CHILD WAS ALMOST HIT AS THE LACK OF BRAKING AND STEERING POWER. HOW CAN SUCH A SYMPTOM BETREATED WITHSUCH APATHY. WE WILL BE FORCED TO SEL THE CAR FOR SAFETY REASONS AND NO RESPONSIBILITY IS TAKEN BY SAAB. IRONICALLY WE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH A 1994 9000.*AK

Mileage: 41,000

WIFE WAS DRIVING ON HWY US 202 SB AND SUDDENLY THE CAR DIES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SHE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY THE TRAFFIC BEHIND HER. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. HE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

WIFE WAS DRIVING ON HWY US 202 SB AND SUDDENLY THE CAR DIES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SHE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY THE TRAFFIC BEHIND HER. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. HE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

WIFE WAS DRIVING ON HWY US 202 SB AND SUDDENLY THE CAR DIES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SHE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY THE TRAFFIC BEHIND HER. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. HE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2001 SAAB 9-5 STATION WAGON WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND SHE LOST ALL POWER. THANKFULLY SHE WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AND MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WE HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. THE PERSON WHO TOWED SAID HE THOUGHT IT WAS A "CRANK SENSOR" THAT FAILED AND WHEN IT FAILS IT COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN THE GAS TO THE ENGINE. I HAD IT REPAIRED AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A SENSOR THAT HE CALLED DIRECT IGNITION WHICH INCLUDES THE CAM SENSOR . MY CONCERN IS THAT IF IT HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A CAR CAN TOTALLY SHUT DOWN LIKE THAT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SAAB WOULD NOT TAKE MY COMPLAINT BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE IT CHECKED AT THEIR GARAGE. I THINK THAT POLICY, WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, IS LUDICROUS! *AK

Mileage: 25,000

EXITING THE HIGHWAY ON AN OVERPASS BRIDGE THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. A FEW MOMENTS LATER SMOKE WAS VISIBLE FROM UNDER THE DIRECT IGNITION COVER AND SMALL FLAME WAS APPARENT. THE FLAME WENT OUT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. HOWEVER, WE WERE LEFT STRANDED ON AN UNLIT BRIDGE OVERPASS THAT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT DUSK (WITH AN INFANT AND TODDLER). SAAB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED (THEY SUGGESTED WE WAIT WITH THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COULD REACH US.) THIS INCIDENT FOLLOWS A STRING OF MINOR ELECTICAL / ELECTRONIC "BUGS" IN WHICH ERRONEOUS SIGNALS ABOUT LIGHT FAILURES WERE DISPLAYED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED (THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC FEATURE ON SAABS).*AK

Mileage: 35,000

EXITING THE HIGHWAY ON AN OVERPASS BRIDGE THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. A FEW MOMENTS LATER SMOKE WAS VISIBLE FROM UNDER THE DIRECT IGNITION COVER AND SMALL FLAME WAS APPARENT. THE FLAME WENT OUT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. HOWEVER, WE WERE LEFT STRANDED ON AN UNLIT BRIDGE OVERPASS THAT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT DUSK (WITH AN INFANT AND TODDLER). SAAB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED (THEY SUGGESTED WE WAIT WITH THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COULD REACH US.) THIS INCIDENT FOLLOWS A STRING OF MINOR ELECTICAL / ELECTRONIC "BUGS" IN WHICH ERRONEOUS SIGNALS ABOUT LIGHT FAILURES WERE DISPLAYED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED (THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC FEATURE ON SAABS).*AK

Mileage: 35,000

EXITING THE HIGHWAY ON AN OVERPASS BRIDGE THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. A FEW MOMENTS LATER SMOKE WAS VISIBLE FROM UNDER THE DIRECT IGNITION COVER AND SMALL FLAME WAS APPARENT. THE FLAME WENT OUT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. HOWEVER, WE WERE LEFT STRANDED ON AN UNLIT BRIDGE OVERPASS THAT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT DUSK (WITH AN INFANT AND TODDLER). SAAB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED (THEY SUGGESTED WE WAIT WITH THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COULD REACH US.) THIS INCIDENT FOLLOWS A STRING OF MINOR ELECTICAL / ELECTRONIC "BUGS" IN WHICH ERRONEOUS SIGNALS ABOUT LIGHT FAILURES WERE DISPLAYED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED (THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC FEATURE ON SAABS).*AK

Mileage: 35,000

SUDDEN COMPLETE POWER FAILURE ON HIGHWAY! RELATIVLY NEW CAR 2001 WITH LOW MILES.TRACED TO BAD DIRECT IGNITION (DI) MODULE. IS A SAFETY HAZARD. NO INJURIES THANKFULLY.*AK

Mileage: 27,000

SUDDEN COMPLETE POWER FAILURE ON HIGHWAY! RELATIVLY NEW CAR 2001 WITH LOW MILES.TRACED TO BAD DIRECT IGNITION (DI) MODULE. IS A SAFETY HAZARD. NO INJURIES THANKFULLY.*AK

Mileage: 27,000

SUDDEN COMPLETE POWER FAILURE ON HIGHWAY! RELATIVLY NEW CAR 2001 WITH LOW MILES.TRACED TO BAD DIRECT IGNITION (DI) MODULE. IS A SAFETY HAZARD. NO INJURIES THANKFULLY.*AK

Mileage: 27,000

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN EXITING WHEN THE SAAB COMPLETELY DIED. NO WARNING..ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. I COASTED DOWN THE RAMP. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I BEEN IN THE LEFT LANE? SAAB QUICKLY DIAGNOSED THIS AS A SHORTED OUT DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. THEY REPAIRED IT RETURNED THE CAR. IT NEEDED TO GO BACK AS IT HAD NO POWER. THE CASSETTE'S FAILURE DESTROYED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS WELL. I HAVE NOW HEARD OF THIS INCIDENT THREE TIMES ON 2001 SAAB 9-5'S. WHERE IS THE RECALL?*AK

Mileage: 21,000

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN EXITING WHEN THE SAAB COMPLETELY DIED. NO WARNING..ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. I COASTED DOWN THE RAMP. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I BEEN IN THE LEFT LANE? SAAB QUICKLY DIAGNOSED THIS AS A SHORTED OUT DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. THEY REPAIRED IT RETURNED THE CAR. IT NEEDED TO GO BACK AS IT HAD NO POWER. THE CASSETTE'S FAILURE DESTROYED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS WELL. I HAVE NOW HEARD OF THIS INCIDENT THREE TIMES ON 2001 SAAB 9-5'S. WHERE IS THE RECALL?*AK

Mileage: 21,000

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN EXITING WHEN THE SAAB COMPLETELY DIED. NO WARNING..ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. I COASTED DOWN THE RAMP. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I BEEN IN THE LEFT LANE? SAAB QUICKLY DIAGNOSED THIS AS A SHORTED OUT DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. THEY REPAIRED IT RETURNED THE CAR. IT NEEDED TO GO BACK AS IT HAD NO POWER. THE CASSETTE'S FAILURE DESTROYED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS WELL. I HAVE NOW HEARD OF THIS INCIDENT THREE TIMES ON 2001 SAAB 9-5'S. WHERE IS THE RECALL?*AK

Mileage: 21,000

THE ENGINE ON OUR 2001 SAAB 9.5 WAGON COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AS WE EXITED I-10 NORTH OF SAN ANTONIO TEXAS. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH AND THE ENGINE JUST QUIT. WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT THE EXITS INTERSECTION BECAUSE OF ITS LENGTH OF ABOUT 1/4 MILE. THERE WAS NO WARNING, JUST NO ENGINE AND NO RESTART. THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE WAS REPLACED. *AK

Mileage: 23,400

I WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE BRONX RIVER PKWY AND MY PASSENGER REACHED INTO THE BACK SEAT. HER LEG HIT THE KEY AND TURNED THE CAR OFF WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS HURT. THE CAR LOCKED UP AND I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. IT TOOK A FEW ANXIOUS MOMENTS/MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES WHEN I DECIDED TO CONTACT SAAB. THEIR RESPONSE IN A LETTER IS AS FOLLOWS " WE HAVE REVIEWED YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH GARDEN CITY SAAB, CORPORATE TECHNICIANS, AND FIELD REPRESENTATIVES. SAAB CARS USA, INC. HAS DETERMINED YOUR VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED." !!!!! SO, THEY HAVE DESIGNED A CAR TO SWITCH OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALL I ASKED WAS TO BE LET OUT OF MY LEASE AS THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR AND I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN IT. THEY, BY MEANS OF THIS LETTER, ARE REFUSING AND TELLING ME THEY HAVE NO ISSUE. FYI THE 9.3 KEY IS BELOW THE SEAT, IN THE 9.5 THEY DECIDED TO RAISE IT ABOVE THE SEAT. THIS IS PROBABLY WHY THEY HAVEN'T ADDRESSED IT YET. I GUESS THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET REALLY HURT OR KILLED. CAN ANY ONE HELP???? *JB

Mileage: 22,500

KEY WAS TOUCHED BY A BABY BOTTLE (VERY GENTLY). THE CAR SHUT OFF ON A BUSY EXPRESSWAY. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS KILLED. I WENT TO THE CAR SERVICE AND GENTLY TAPPED THE KEY AND REPRODUCED THE KEY TURNING. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT WAS NORMAL! PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOME ONE IS KILLED.*JB

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM THE ENGINE.VEHICLE STALLED OUT.HAD VEHICLE SERVICED,FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION CASSETTE. NLM

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM THE ENGINE.VEHICLE STALLED OUT.HAD VEHICLE SERVICED,FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION CASSETTE. NLM

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM THE ENGINE.VEHICLE STALLED OUT.HAD VEHICLE SERVICED,FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION CASSETTE. NLM

THE CAR HAS STALLED TWICE WITHOUT WARNING, ON THE SECOND OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE THE DEALER REPLACED THE D1 CASSETTE BECUSE IT MALFUNCTIONED BUT IN THE SECOND INSTANCE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT REVEAL A CAUSE FOR THE SHUT DOWN. NLM

THE CAR HAS STALLED TWICE WITHOUT WARNING, ON THE SECOND OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE THE DEALER REPLACED THE D1 CASSETTE BECUSE IT MALFUNCTIONED BUT IN THE SECOND INSTANCE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT REVEAL A CAUSE FOR THE SHUT DOWN. NLM