DecodedCars2012 Saab 9-4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 139 for similar models.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 50 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Saab 9-4 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 4% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 9-4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 9-4 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-4X FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -4% | $3,350 | 444 |
| 9-4X AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $3,550 | 468 |
| 9-4X AWD | 2.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Saab 9-4.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Saab 9-4 (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Suspension › Rear · Jun 24, 2021 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 21V473000 · 380,498 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
- Risk
- A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Cadillac and Saab customers may direct questions to Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N212340980.
Suspension › Rear · Sep 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V571000 · 290,241 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured April 14, 2009, to September 1, 2014, and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to September 13, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds. A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
- Risk
- Failure of the toe adjuster link could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts, and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link, free of charge. The The recall began November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14457.
Not every 2012 Saab 9-4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Saab 9-4 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Saab 9-4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Saab 9-4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 9-4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 9-4 | 20 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →