NHTSA — Exterior Lighting Problems

3.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,800 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Saab 9-5 lights problems

lights problem

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2011 Saab 9-5 Owner Comments

problem #5

Oct 172018

9-5

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Premature wear (burn-out) of the halogen-style light bulbs in each of the rear turn signal and brake lights (the halogen lights serve as both a turn signal and brake light). The halogen lights appear to burn out every 4-6 months. The bulbs are creating excessive heat within the light housing and melting/fusing to the plastic housing. I believe this is potentially a fire risk. There is premature rust forming on the trunk lid aswell.

- Holbrook, NY, USA

problem #4

Nov 012015

9-5

  • miles
Since 35,000 miles, I am constantly getting notification errors to a replace rear turn signal with each usage of it. Simultaneously, the signal blinking is overaggressive, announcing its malfunction to my fellow road companions and traffic authorities who then politely tell me multiple time a day that my turn signal is about to go out. Although I appreciate this, I have replaced the bulb multiple times to rule out faulty bulbs. Within a couple of days, the issue starts all over again. The turn signal blinks at 160+ clicks per minute versus the accepted 80 cpm. The blub and socket are melting together. I have looked at forums and many are have this problem with this make and model, considering using turn signals is a requirement for maneuvers we make in our vehicles and to keep ourselves, and others, especially our passengers, our loved ones safe on the road, this is something that should be recalled and fixed.

- Neenah, WI, USA

problem #3

Mar 282016

9-5

  • 15,000 miles
About once a month since about 10,000 miles I have had to replace one of the rear brake light socket assemblies because the plastic insert that holds the light bulb is melting. When it heats and melts, its shape slightly distorts disconnecting the connection between the light bulb and the light bulb holder. Thank goodness there are replacement parts on ebay but having to spend an extra 20 bucks every other month seems ridiculous and certainly something worthy to look into as a recall.

- Duluth, GA, USA

problem #2

Feb 032016

9-5

  • 87,000 miles
The rear tail lights overheat, causing the bulbs to burn out and wiring to melt. We have had the bulbs and sockets replaced multiple times on both sides since 2013, but the only thing that fixes the problem is replacing the entire assembly. Just had the socket and bulb for passenger side replaced twice in one month, and it is gone again.

- Plant City, FL, USA

problem #1

Aug 092013

9-5

  • 22,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Saab 9-5. the contact stated that the check rear taillight warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both tail light bulb sockets needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 22,000.

- Cordova, TN, USA

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