2002 SAAB 5-Sep

9-5 Aero: Without warning all dashboard lights came on and engine started making noise. Had car towed to dealer (International Motors, Falls Church, VA) where it was diagnosed as “sludge”. I faxed all my records to them as requested – am missing one oil change record. Dealer won’t talk to me and Saab Customer Service won’t do anything because I am missing the one oil change record. I have owned Saabs for 35 years; just sold one I owned for 18 years with 247,000 miles, I have never had a problem with any Saab before.

The car has 62,000 miles on it, I bought it 17 months ago with 42,000 miles. I got a letter 3 months ago from Saab about a special policy covering oil sludge, and \"defects in material and workmanship\". DO NOT contact them until you have the symptoms which included oil light ON and rattle in engine. SURE ENOUGH, 2 months later July- we had the symptoms, towed it to dealer. and found out engine is shot. They asked for EVERY receipt for oil changes, which I don\’t have because I bought the car used. Well, the first 30k on the car was with a lease company which will NOT release the maintenance information. Saab denies my claim since I cannot prove the oil change during the first owner (lease). Of course, that is Saab\’s out, and they said – because there is no proof of oil changes from previous owner, they will not cover the repair- New engine- $11,000 – I am sick, and would like to fight it, any chance?

Purchased a non-CPO ’02 9-5 Aero Wagon and driving it home, the engine oil pressure light came on. I slowed down but it stayed on, so I began to slow down to exit the freeway and stop at a gas station. Only then did I begin to hear the ticking/knocking sound.I had to have the car towed to the nearest Saab dealer (Flow Saab in Greensboro, NC), and am awaiting their diagnosis. Removal of valve cover and oil pan revealed sludge. The Saab regional manager looked at service records available through Saab dealership and says NOT COVERED. The earliest “recorded” engine service for the car is 18K. Saab records only indicate when Saab has to pay for service, so it’s up to me to get the owner-paid service history. In the meantime, I am faced with a $6300 (used 65K engine) to $9100 (new head and short block) repair bill.

2.3L L4 SFI DOHC 24VOil Sludge (Diagnostic)Turbo charger failedDumped oil into exhaust systemEngine destroyed.New Engine required.June 20, 2005 letter to Saab owners regarding sludge never received. Saab indicates no assistance for repair cost forthcoming.Definitely looking for data to bolster my position as well as assistance wit potential legal remedy if required.