1988 SAAB 900
2 recalls, 18 complaints - 1 TSBs
88V173000 Nov 1, 1988
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Defect Description
WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT; THE RESULTING HEATBUILDUP COULD CAUSE SMOKE OR A FIRE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
INSTALL RUBBER PROTECTIVE STRIPS TO SHARP EDGES AND COMPLETELY ENCASE WIRE HARNESS IN A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC TUBE.
88V149000 Sep 7, 1988
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Defect Description
BOLTS USED IN THE ATTACHMENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL ARMS MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Consequence
IF MORE THAN ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS SHOULD FAIL, LOWERFRONT CONTROL ARM COULD COME LOOSE LEADING TO LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF AFRONT WHEEL.
Remedy
REPLACE BOLTS WITH PROPER SPECIFICATION BOLTS.
Complaint Statistics
18 total complaints
1 crashes 1 fires 1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Jan 10, 2001
Incident date: Jan 5, 2001
FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHEEL TO FALL OFF AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO SHOCK, WHEEL BEARING AND C.V. JOINT. *AK
POWER TRAIN
Nov 9, 2000
Incident date: Nov 4, 2000
DRIVER'S SEAT ANCHORING BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO SEAT BASE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ATTACHMENT BOLT. ODOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE ON MOST PRE-1990 MODELS AS STATED BY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN SAAB REPAIRS. MECHANIC STATES THAT THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE GEARING MECHANISM W... Read more
SEATS
Nov 9, 2000
Incident date: Nov 4, 2000
DRIVER'S SEAT ANCHORING BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO SEAT BASE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ATTACHMENT BOLT. ODOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE ON MOST PRE-1990 MODELS AS STATED BY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN SAAB REPAIRS. MECHANIC STATES THAT THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE GEARING MECHANISM W... Read more
SEAT BELTS
Jul 6, 1999
Incident date: Jun 1, 1998
MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. SOMETIMES THEY DON'T ENGAGE, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T RELEASE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Feb 17, 1999
THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS DON'T RETRACT. DEALER HAS A FIX. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 3, 1998
HEAT SHIELD THAT PROTECTED THE WIRES ROT OUT, REPLACE HEAT SHIELD.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
Aug 7, 1997
PARKING BRAKE STICK/FREEZE WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS FREEZING. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 14, 1996
Incident date: Jul 5, 1996
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 18, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1995
ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING A FIRE, IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE. *AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Oct 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Oct 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
Oct 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Oct 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Oct 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
Jan 31, 1996
IN THE WINTER TIME THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FREEZES UP . TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jun 15, 1995
Incident date: Jan 2, 1995
INTERMITTENT STALLING, ALSO VEHICLE WON'T START. *SKD
POWER TRAIN
May 17, 1995
Incident date: Dec 15, 1990
SPEEDOMETER KEEPS BREAKING; REPLACED SIX TIMES WITHIN 6 YEARS; DOES NOT GIVE ACCURATE READINGS; UNSAFE DRIVING. TT
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
Apr 20, 1995
Incident date: Feb 13, 1995
LOCATION OF DEFROSTER VENTS PREVENT WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING ENTIRELY. *SKD
EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 SAAB 900
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 20.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,450 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 20.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,450 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 21.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,300 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 25.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 24.0 | 21.0 | Premium | $3,650 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 25.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 25.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 SAAB 900
1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 071000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE | 1 |
234
Sep 2, 1997
071000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
INFORMATION ON INSTALLING LARGER FUEL SYSTEM NON-RETURN VALVES. *TT
NHTSA Safety Investigations, SAAB 900
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE01018
Opened: May 24, 2001 , Closed: Aug 9, 2001
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
ALLEGED THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT A FRONTAL CRASH.
DP00008
Opened: Sep 25, 2000 , Closed: Nov 19, 2001
DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP PULLEY
a
SQ98022
Opened: Oct 29, 1998 , Closed: Nov 4, 1998
STOP SALE NOTICE
SAAB ISSUED A TSB ANNOUNCING A RETAIL DELIVERY STOP ON ALL 1999 SAAB'S.THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BROADCAST ADVISED THE DEALER TO CHANGE THE BANJO BOLT ON THE POWER STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY
SQ98023
Opened: Oct 29, 1998 , Closed: Nov 24, 1998
STOP SALE NOTICE
SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.
SQ98018
Opened: Oct 9, 1998 , Closed: Oct 27, 1998
NEW WHEEL BOLTS
saab issued a tsb informing dealers about a new wheel mounting bolt.If the issue is loosening of the lug nut, this could lead to bolt fatigue and the potential for a wheel separation.
EA94011
Opened: Feb 28, 1994 , Closed: Feb 28, 1995
FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS
There is no summary currently available
PE93102
Opened: Dec 8, 1993 , Closed: Apr 21, 1994
SEAT BACK RECLINER FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE93087
Opened: Oct 5, 1993 , Closed: Feb 28, 1994
FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS
There is no summary currently available
PE89008
Opened: Oct 21, 1988 , Closed: Jan 26, 1989
BATTERY CABLE GROUNDING
There is no summary currently available
EA87024
Opened: Sep 28, 1987 , Closed: Jan 7, 1988
FIRES
===
DP87018
Opened: May 29, 1987 , Closed: Oct 7, 1987
SAAB 900 FIRES
SAAB 900 FIRES
DP82009
Opened: May 20, 1982 , Closed: Dec 6, 1982
BURNED OUT TRANSMISSION DUE TO OIL LEAK
BURNED OUT TRANSMISSION DUE TO OIL LEAK IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL
SAAB 900 - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the SAAB 900 across all model years (1979, 1998).
44
Total Recalls
552
Total Complaints
12
Investigations
32
Reported Crashes
29
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
SAAB 900 - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 1999 | 0 | 4 | View |
| 1998 | 3 | 26 | View |
| 1997 | 3 | 27 | View |
| 1996 | 3 | 78 | View |
| 1995 | 7 | 159 | View |
| 1994 | 8 | 88 | View |
| 1993 | 0 | 8 | View |
| 1992 | 0 | 25 | View |
| 1991 | 0 | 15 | View |
| 1990 | 0 | 21 | View |
| 1989 | 2 | 34 | View |
| 1988 (current) | 2 | 18 | |
| 1987 | 2 | 12 | View |
| 1986 | 2 | 18 | View |
| 1985 | 1 | 5 | View |
| 1984 | 1 | 4 | View |
| 1983 | 1 | 2 | View |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1981 | 2 | 1 | View |
| 1980 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1979 | 4 | 2 | View |