DecodedCars2011 Saab 9-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Aero 4 Dr Sedan Xwd, Turbo4 4 Dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 20 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,035–4,420 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 151 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Saab 9-5 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.8L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,420 lb (Aero 4 Dr Sedan Xwd).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 32 highway), 3% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2011
- New body dimensions: 6.6 in longer, wheelbase +5.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 24
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 9-5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero 4 Dr Sedan Xwd | 197.2 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 111.8 in | 62.2 / 61.4 in | 4,420 lb | |
| Turbo4 4 Dr Sedan FWD | 197.2 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 111.8 in | 62.2 / 61.4 in | 4,035 lb | 57/43 |
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 FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 32 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| 9-5 Sedan FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 423 |
| 9-5 Sedan AWD | 2.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | -14% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Saab 9-5.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Saab 9-5 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Impala | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Saab 9-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Saab 9-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Saab 9-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Exterior Lighting — 4 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 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 →