2008 Saab 9-7X Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Saab 9-7X, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting929.0%
- Electrical619.4%
- Engine412.9%
- Visibility26.5%
- Driver assistance26.5%
- Steering26.5%
- Airbags26.5%
- Other / unspecified13.2%
- Powertrain (other)13.2%
- Brakes13.2%
- Body & structure13.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS NOT A DEALERSHIP THAT IS ABLE TO FIX THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THAT IS NEAR ME. GM RECALL #: 15037 NHTSA # 15V519 DATE ISSUED: JAN 06, 2015 RECALL TITLE: RECALL 15037 - HEADLAMP DRIVER MODULE RECALL STATUS: INCOMPLETE *TR
DIM HEAD LIGHTS, I HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT TO SEE PROPERLY ESPECIALLY ON HIGHWAY OR POORLY LIT AREAS.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL" PURCHASED FROM EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGR DEALERSHIP IN BRONX, NY 10486 , ON FEB. 28, 2015, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD INDICATING A POSSIBLE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT BACK APPROXIMATELY 7X TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL TIMES AT OTHER MECHANICS. UNFORTUNATELY, LIGHT CONTINUES TODAY. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE PROBLEM; DRIVERS SIDE BEGINNING FIRST DIMMING VERY LOW. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS AS WELL. EVENTUALLY IT BECAME A NECESSITY TO BECOME AN EXPENSIVE OUT-OF- POCKET EXPENSE. FINALLY, THE STABILITY CHECK LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMES ON AND OFF MAKING IT NECESSARY TO STOP AND TURN OFF AND RESTART VEHICLE AS SUGGESTED BY DEALER MECHANIC ADVICE. ALLINFORMATION DESCRIBED IS VERIFIED WITH DOCUMENTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMPS INDEPENDENTLY FAILED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE FOG LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS IN USE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MORE THAN TEN TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL" PURCHASED FROM EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGR DEALERSHIP IN BRONX, NY 10486 , ON FEB. 28, 2015, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD INDICATING A POSSIBLE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT BACK APPROXIMATELY 7X TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL TIMES AT OTHER MECHANICS. UNFORTUNATELY, LIGHT CONTINUES TODAY. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE PROBLEM; DRIVERS SIDE BEGINNING FIRST DIMMING VERY LOW. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS AS WELL. EVENTUALLY IT BECAME A NECESSITY TO BECOME AN EXPENSIVE OUT-OF- POCKET EXPENSE. FINALLY, THE STABILITY CHECK LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMES ON AND OFF MAKING IT NECESSARY TO STOP AND TURN OFF AND RESTART VEHICLE AS SUGGESTED BY DEALER MECHANIC ADVICE. ALLINFORMATION DESCRIBED IS VERIFIED WITH DOCUMENTS.
I GOT A TROUBLE CODE FOR CYLINDER #7 MISFIRE. IT IS THE LIFTERS GOING OUT DUE TO THE AFM OR DOD, WHATEVER GM CALLS IT. THE SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN THE 8 CYLINDER TO 4 CYLINDERS. $3000 JOB FOR SOMETHING THAT I'M SURE GM IS VERY AWARE OF. THESE 5.3S WITH THIS AFM WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF WHEN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE DRIVERS WINDOW WAS OPEN, HE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW BUT IT BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE DOOR SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
MY FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED DUE TO STRESS AND TEMPERATURE. THE AUTOMAKER IS TRYING TO CLAIM THAT THE BREAK IS DUE TO STONE IMPACT. THIS IS NOT TRUE. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT FOR TWO WEEKS AND IT WAS VERY HOT. WHEN I WENT TO THE VEHICLE IT WAS CRACKED. ALSO WHEN A STONE IMPACTS THE WINDSHIELD IT WILL LEAVE A SPIDER FRACTURE AND THERE IS NOT SPIDER FRACTURE ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL" PURCHASED FROM EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGR DEALERSHIP IN BRONX, NY 10486 , ON FEB. 28, 2015, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD INDICATING A POSSIBLE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT BACK APPROXIMATELY 7X TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL TIMES AT OTHER MECHANICS. UNFORTUNATELY, LIGHT CONTINUES TODAY. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE PROBLEM; DRIVERS SIDE BEGINNING FIRST DIMMING VERY LOW. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS AS WELL. EVENTUALLY IT BECAME A NECESSITY TO BECOME AN EXPENSIVE OUT-OF- POCKET EXPENSE. FINALLY, THE STABILITY CHECK LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMES ON AND OFF MAKING IT NECESSARY TO STOP AND TURN OFF AND RESTART VEHICLE AS SUGGESTED BY DEALER MECHANIC ADVICE. ALLINFORMATION DESCRIBED IS VERIFIED WITH DOCUMENTS.
THE SERVICE STABILI TRAC LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON I ALSO HAD A 06 TRAILBLAZER SAME THING PAID 300.00 TO FIX IT AND KEPT DOING IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING LINES UNDER THE CLAMP THAT BOLTS TO THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HAVE RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO MOISTURE AND VIBRATION CAUSING A LOSS IN FLUID DAMAGING THE PUMP. AFTER DOING A SEARCH I FOUND NUMEROUS POSTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE ON THE TRAILBLAZER, ENVOY AND SAAB. POOR DESIGN AND LACK OF QUALITY CAUSED THE FAILURE. *TR
2008 SAAB 9-7X 5.3I. CONSUMER EXPRESSES COMPLAINT AGAINST ANDERSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP AND SAAB AUTOMOBILE USA. *TGW CONSUMER SENT IN DUPLICATE LETTER 3/25/2010. *KB CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL LETTER. *TGW THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 04/14/10.*JB UPDATED 04/30/10 THE CONSUMER THE ON-STAR SYSTEM HAS BEEN INOPERATIVE SINCE DECEMBER 3, 2009. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO WAIT 24 HOURS AND IT WOULD RESET ITSELF. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE ONSTAR, IT WAS STILL NOT WORKING. UPDATED 05/12/10.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-7X. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND ON. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS WAS NOT DUE TO AN ACCIDENT OR ANY TYPE OF IMPACT. IT WAS A RANDOM EVENT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SAAB/VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN CHARLOTTE, NC WHERE IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR COSTS. THIS IS CLEARLY A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE ROAD AT 45MPH. WE HAVE PICTURES ON OUR CELL PHONE AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 SAAB 9-7X 5.3I. CONSUMER EXPRESSES COMPLAINT AGAINST ANDERSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP AND SAAB AUTOMOBILE USA. *TGW CONSUMER SENT IN DUPLICATE LETTER 3/25/2010. *KB CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL LETTER. *TGW THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 04/14/10.*JB UPDATED 04/30/10 THE CONSUMER THE ON-STAR SYSTEM HAS BEEN INOPERATIVE SINCE DECEMBER 3, 2009. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO WAIT 24 HOURS AND IT WOULD RESET ITSELF. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE ONSTAR, IT WAS STILL NOT WORKING. UPDATED 05/12/10.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT CUTS OFF WHILE IN THE DRIVE GEAR. THIS HAPPENED 4 TIMES, TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY ALL WITHIN A 3 WEEK PERIOD. I HAVE E TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WAIT ABOUT 2 MINUTES THEN START IT UP AGAIN. I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR AFTER THE SECOND TIME STOPPING ON THE BELTWAY, SO I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND STRESSFUL NOT KNOWING WHEN THE CAR WOULD STOP AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR AT A COST ON $690.00, FROM ME. I THINK THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THAT I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THIS AMOUNT. IF THIS MODEL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED THEN IT SHOULD BE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. I WILL BE WRITING THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ALSO TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I GET MY MAINTENANCE ON THIS VEHICLE ON A REGULAR BASIS. I'M GLAD THAT I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT WHEN THIS CAR STOPPED ON THE BELTWAY. MY CAR WAS REPAIRED ON JULY 16,2016, AT ANDERSON OF HUNT VALLEY, 10125 YORK ROAD, COCKEYSVILLE MD 21030. PHONE # 410-403-1300. THEY DID A GREAT JOB IN REPLACING THE COMPUTER, NOW I NEED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR MY $690.00. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND COOPERATION.SINCERELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE AT APPROX. 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, MY PASSENGER BUMPED THE IGNITION KEY, LOCATED BETWEEN THE GEAR SHIFTER AND CENTER CONSOLE. MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HWY, AND IT HAPPENED OTHER TIMES, TOO. I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR MODULE, WHICH HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS AFTER GETTING ONLY SLIGHTLY WET. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, POSSIBLY CAUSED BY THE SAME PROBLEM, AND EVERY DOOR IS LIKELY AFFECTED. SINCE THE DRIVER SIDE IS USED MOST FREQUENTLY, THE PROBLEM JUST BECOMES OBVIOUS ON THAT ONE. THE IGNITION IS SUBJECT TO THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING AFTER LEAVING THE SUNROOF OPEN MISTAKENLY. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START FOR 24 HRS, AND THE TURN SIGNAL HAS SINCE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FLASHING TOO QUICKLY. THE DESIGN OBVIOUSLY LACKS BASIC ATTEMPTS TO KEEP WATER AWAY FROM ITS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I HAVE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH A SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOING ON AND OFF. IT WAS TAKEN BACK FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS EITHER NEVER RESOLVED, OR CONTINUES TO RECUR. I DON''T KNOW WHETHER STABILITRAK IS OR WAS FUNCTIONING AT ANY POINT, OR IF IT'S JUST THE LIGHT. AROUND THE SAME TIME, THE CRUISE CONTROL STARTED TO ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. IN ADDITION, THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG WITH THE ABS SYSTEM WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. ALTHOUGH IT HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY, I WOULD HAVE DIED OR BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF I HADN'T DOWNSHIFTED AND PULLED MY E-BRAKE IN ORDER TO FINALLY GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. YET, THE 9-7X WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL GM ISSUED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER VEHICLES. THERE IS SERIOUSLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A DEATH TRAP WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED DUE TO STRESS AND TEMPERATURE. THE AUTOMAKER IS TRYING TO CLAIM THAT THE BREAK IS DUE TO STONE IMPACT. THIS IS NOT TRUE. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT FOR TWO WEEKS AND IT WAS VERY HOT. WHEN I WENT TO THE VEHICLE IT WAS CRACKED. ALSO WHEN A STONE IMPACTS THE WINDSHIELD IT WILL LEAVE A SPIDER FRACTURE AND THERE IS NOT SPIDER FRACTURE ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .