Bipolar transistor overheating/burnout
Defect Summary
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Safety Consequence
Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. an interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Saab Cars Usa, Inc. or involving Electrical System.
FAQ: Recall 05V399000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 05V399000?
NHTSA recall 05V399000 was issued by Saab Cars Usa, Inc. on September 14, 2005. It addresses: Bipolar transistor overheating/burnout. The recall affects approximately 103,202 vehicles, with the defect involving the Electrical System component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Saab Cars Usa, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 05V399000 or the manufacturer campaign number 15021. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.