1989 SAAB 900
2 recalls, 34 complaints - 1 TSBs
89V104000 Jun 27, 1989
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Defect Description
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A REVERSE CURRENT MIGHT FLOW THROUGH A WIRE CABLE BETWEEN THE AIR RECIRCULATION SWITCH AND A MICROSWITCH.
Consequence
HEATER FAN RESISTOR WOULD OVERHEAT AND SMOKE IN THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT HEATING SYSTEM, CAUSING DISCOMFORT AND BREATHING HAZARDSTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS.
Remedy
DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL WIRE CABLE AND SECURE BY TAPE AROUND CABLE HARNESS.
88V185000 Nov 28, 1988
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
FUEL FILTER MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION CONCERNING LEAKAGE CRITERIA DUE TO LOW TEMPERATURE DURING THE GLUING PROCESS.
Consequence
FUEL FILTER MAY LEAK CREATING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy
REPLACE FUEL FILTER.
Complaint Statistics
34 total complaints
2 crashes 4 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SEAT BELTS | 5 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Mar 5, 2006
Incident date: Jul 11, 2002
ALTERNATOR, CARBURETOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, DRAINING OF POWER ; NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM, THE AUTO HAS SAT NOW FOR TWO YEARS BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF POURING MONEY INTO IT ONLY TO HAVE IT UNABLE TO REPAIRED PROPERLY. *JB
SEAT BELTS
Feb 7, 2002
Incident date: Jul 9, 1997
RIGHT SIDE PASSIVE SEATBELT SYSTEM FAILED MOTOR CAUSED SHOULDER BELT KEY TO GO BACK AND FORTH . DRIVER SIDE DID THE SAME. REPAIR TECH SAID THAT IT WAS A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM AND THAT IT WAS COMMOM WITH SAABS WITH THIS TYPE OF SAFETY BELTS. COST OF REPAIR WOULD BE $650 DID NOT REPAIR HAD TECH LOCK KE... Read more
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
Aug 16, 2001
Incident date: Mar 15, 2001
FAILED AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Oct 23, 2000
Incident date: May 17, 2000
DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE PARKING VEHICLE. REPLACED BOTH DRIVER- & PASSENGER-SIDE CONTROL ARMS AS PRECAUTION. MECHANIC HAS PART & SPECULATES DESIGN DEFECT; HAS ONE FROM ANOTHER SAAB HANGING ON WALL AS SOUVENIR! CONTACT PETER'S ZAAB SERVICE, 415.456.0540.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
May 19, 2000
Incident date: Apr 10, 2000
ENGINE HEAD GASKET WENT, AND COST ABOUT 1600 CANADIAN. MANUFACTURER DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE.*AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Mar 24, 2000
Incident date: Mar 23, 2000
THE DEALER IN LITTLE ROCK, AR. INDICATED THAT THIS TYPE OF A PROBLEM IS COMMON BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. ANY PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE IS NOT COMMON. HAD I BEEN TRAVELLING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND MY FAMILY WOULD BE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
May 3, 1999
Incident date: Mar 12, 1998
TIMING CHAIN FAILED DURING NORMAL OPERATION AT 35 MPH CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL AND $2400 IN ENGINE VALVE DAMAGE. TIMING CHAIN IS NOT SPECIFICED AS A NORMAL REPLACEMENT ITEM.
SEAT BELTS
Apr 21, 1999
Incident date: Jan 1, 1996
COMPUTER BOX THAT CONTROLS MOTORBELTS FAILED. (MS)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Jan 10, 1999
Incident date: Jan 5, 1998
FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. ALSO, STARTER JAMMED INTO PLACE, BURNED STARTER UP.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Jan 10, 1999
Incident date: Jan 5, 1998
FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. ALSO, STARTER JAMMED INTO PLACE, BURNED STARTER UP.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 5, 1998
Incident date: Oct 17, 1997
CASING AROUND TRANSMISSION CRACKED, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE FIRE.
Fire
SEAT BELTS
Feb 4, 1998
Incident date: Aug 1, 1996
THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S MOTORIZED SHOULDER SEATBELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT, RESULTING IN BOTH SHOULDER BELTS BECOMING INOPERATIVE. WILL NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
May 1, 1997
Incident date: Mar 14, 1997
VEHICLE PARKED IN GARAGE , GOT IN CAR STARTED TO BACK UP AND THE BODY FELL ON THE WHEEL WELL. LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. THE WELD WAS THE ACTUAL FRACTURE POINT. *AK
SEATS
Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: May 29, 1995
WHILE IDLING DRIVER'S SEAT POSITION ADJUSTMENT LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSED SEAT TO GO BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Crash
SEAT BELTS
Nov 14, 1996
Incident date: Feb 1, 1996
MOTORIZED SEAT BELT WILL NOT STOP, CONTINUES TO SLIDE UP/DOWN TRACK.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Nov 5, 1996
Incident date: Oct 16, 1996
WHILE DRIVING, LOWER ARM BROKE, CAUSED VEHICLE TO LURCH TO ONE SIDE, VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE; SPEED 5 MPH; FEW MINUTES BEFORE, WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, NO ACCIDENT. *AK
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Oct 2, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
FUEL PUMP FAILED, ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR, A/C COMPRESSOR/BACK UP LIGHTS/SUBROOF CABLES.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
Oct 2, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
FUEL PUMP FAILED, ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR, A/C COMPRESSOR/BACK UP LIGHTS/SUBROOF CABLES.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Oct 2, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
FUEL PUMP FAILED, ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR, A/C COMPRESSOR/BACK UP LIGHTS/SUBROOF CABLES.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Oct 2, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1996
FUEL PUMP FAILED, ALSO REPLACED ALTERNATOR, A/C COMPRESSOR/BACK UP LIGHTS/SUBROOF CABLES.*AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Jul 22, 1996
Incident date: Jul 17, 1995
WINDOW LIFT FAILED. *SD
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Jul 22, 1996
Incident date: Jul 17, 1995
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Jul 11, 1996
Incident date: Sep 23, 1993
WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *DH
Fire
SEAT BELTS
Apr 25, 1996
Incident date: Mar 1, 1996
DRIVERS MOTORBELT STUCK IN CENTER OF TRACK, PASSENGERS MOTORBELT FAILED. *DSH
SEATS
Mar 7, 1996
WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SEAT POSITION ADJUSTMENT LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSED SEAT TO GO BACKWARDS, RESULT ACCIDENT. *AK
Crash
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jun 1, 1995
REPLACED RIGHT DOOR LOCK.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Dec 7, 1991
REPLACED TRANSMISSION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Dec 7, 1991
THERMOSTAT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE. *AK
Fire
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jun 1, 1995
REPLACED RIGHT DOOR LOCK.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Dec 1, 1991
REPLACED RADIO ANTENNA.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Oct 26, 1995
Incident date: Sep 6, 1995
SEALING COLLAR/INNER DRIVE/DRIVE MOUNTS FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Oct 26, 1995
Incident date: Sep 6, 1995
WATER PUMP FAILURE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Oct 26, 1995
Incident date: Sep 6, 1995
FUEL PUMP FAILURE.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Jul 25, 1995
Incident date: Feb 4, 1990
IN 1990 VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN PASSENAGER COMPARTMENT, POSSIBLE DUE TO DEFAULT IN HEATING SYSTEM. TT
Fire
EPA Fuel Economy, 1989 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 | 22.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,300 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 20.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,450 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $2,850 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 26.0 | 21.0 | Premium | $3,650 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $2,850 |
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, 1989 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 (current) | 2 | 34 | |
| 1988 | 2 | 18 | View |
| 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 |