1998 SAAB 900

3 recalls, 26 complaints - 31 TSBs

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN BUILD UP WITHIN THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE AND CREATE ENOUGH OF A CHARGE TO CAUSE AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MOST OF THESE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN COOLER, DRY WEATHER, AND HAVE GENERALLY INCLUDED DUST... Read more

Consequence

UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE GROUNDING STRAP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-9... Read more

12,036 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

39,313 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY AIMING THE HEADLIGHTING SYSTEM WERE OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE SENT AIMING INSTRUCTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THE OWNER GUIDES. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN AFFIX THE INSERTS IN THEIR OWNER GUIDE FOR THEM.

92,505 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

26 total complaints 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	7
AIR BAGS	5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST	1
STEERING	1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY	1
WHEELS:RIM	1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	1

Incident date: Jul 29, 2017

WARM ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND CAR DRIVEN TO INTERSECTION ROUGHLY 50 YARDS AWAY. AT STOP LIGHT, SRS LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED AND THEN PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE CAR STILL STOPPED. CAR THEN TURNED TO GO TO OTHER SIDE OF STREET TO PARK. WHILE CAR BEING DRIVEN CROSSING STREET, APPROX 5 MPH MAX... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 29, 2017

CAR STARTED AND DRIVEN APPROX 50 YARDS AND THEN CAME TO TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STOPPED. DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY PANEL WAS ILLUMINATED AT STOP LIGHT. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED BEFORE CAR PROCEEDED. CAR DRIVEN TO OPPOSITE SIDE OF STREET TO PARK AND ASSESS SITUATION. WHILE CAR BEIN... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 30, 2017

I OWN A AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS DRIVING A CUSTOMER VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT 20-25 MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG EXPLODED. IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE, I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A MINUTE I DECIDED I SHOULD PULL THE CAR A LITTLE MORE OFF THE ROAD , AS I... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2015

I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A STREET, GOING STRAIGHT, AT ABOUT 20 MPH, WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HITTING ME. I PULLED OVER. THE CAR HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT. THE RESULT IS THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2010

I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. GM WILL NOT FIX THE CAR AND HAS OFFERED A VERY LOW REPURCHASE OFFER ($1100.00 LESS THAN KBB TRADE IN VALUE). *TR

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 3, 2009

BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOLLOWED BY DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER BAG. THE DRIVER SIDE BAG DEPLOYED APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS AFTER THE PASSENGER BAG DEPLOYED. *TR

Incident date: Apr 26, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SAAB 900 SE TURBO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING, SPITTING, AND STUTTERING AS IF IT NEEDED GAS. THE VEHICLE THEN SHUT OFF AND RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE AND HAS REMAINED PARKED EVER SINCE. THE CURRENT AND... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2007

MY 1998 SAAB 900 SE TURBO CONVERTIBLE HAS 62,000 MILES ON IT, AND YET I'VE JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE WHICH COMPLETELY FAILED -- THANKFULLY I WAS STILL IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT CONKED OUT, THIS IS RIDICULOUSLY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR ACCORDING TO MY SAAB SPECIALIST MECHANIC... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2004

CHRONIC, ABRUPT STALLING PROBLEMS FOR 3+ YEARS. DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TO REPAIR ON AT LEAST, 15+ OCCASIONS. DEALERSHIP HAD IT AT THEIR FACILITY FOR OVER 3 MONTHS ONE PERIOD, CONDUCTING DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. PARTS CHANGED: SENSORS; MULTIPLE TIMES, WIRING HARNESS, "MAIN COMPUTER CHIP" AND VARIOUS OTHER P... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V222000, REGARDING AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS RECALL.

Incident date: Aug 22, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOTH THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CONTROL MODULE SHORTED CAUSING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE CONTROL MODULE, AIR BAGS, AND SEATBELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2006

Incident date: May 25, 2004

1998 SAAB 900SE CONVERTIBLE - HAS HAD A CHRONIC PROBLEM 1YR+ OF VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLING WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. USUALLY COULD BE RESTARTED AFTER A MINUTE, BUT NOW IS DIFFICULT TO RE-START ONCE IT STALLS. THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AND IS DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO CONTROL WHE... Read more

Incident date: May 2, 2005

I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A 1998 900 SAAB SINCE IT WAS NEW. IT HAD ABOUT 155,500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT DESCRIBED BELOW. RECENTLY, I WAS GOING TO REMOVE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPRIGHTS TO REPLACE THE SHOCK ABSORBER INSERTS. AFTER REMOVING THE WHEEL ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2004

THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR THE RIGHT SIDE MARKER HAS FALLEN OUT TWICE IN 13 MONTHS.*AK

Incident date: May 1, 2002

KEEP HEARING THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM, COULD BE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE WHEN TOP IS STUCK OPEN. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A 4 YR OLD CAR DEALER WANTS $ 1,700. FOR NEW MOTOR. MR

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND PASSED IN OFF POSITION AND FOR NO CAUSE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT.*AK CONSUMER STATES DEALERSHIP COMPLETED THE REPAIR, THEY INDICATED THAT THE COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW AN AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, DEALER COULD NOT EXPLAIN... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Dec 13, 2000

WHILE PARKED, I WAS TURNING ON THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND HIT ME. VERY DANGEROUS, MY THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS BEHIND ME AND WAS KNOCKED DOWN. IN ADDITION, I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY THIS WAS A MALFUNCTION (DEAL... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Dec 14, 2000

PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. *AK

1 injured

Incident date: Sep 30, 1998

ALL 4 LIGHT ALLOY WHEELS BENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NLM

Incident date: Dec 19, 1999

WHILE DRIVING AND NO FRONTAL IMPACTS, PASSENGER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSEDA LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER ADMITTED THEY HAD A DEFECTIVE DESIGN PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

THE TURN SIGNAL REMAINS ON AFTER TURNING. YH

Incident date: Nov 1, 1997

THERE IS NO INTERLOCK ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO PREVENT THE CAR STARTING IN GEAR. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

DIFFICULT STEERING VEHICLE.

Incident date: Nov 19, 1997

POWER ELECTRIC SEATS FAILED TO RESPOND PROPERLY. DO NOT GO FORWARD/BACKWARDS WHEN BUTTON PUSHED. HAD TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD & TURNED VEHICLE OFF & RESTART IT FOR SEATS TO WORK.TOOK TO DEALER TO CHECK IT. *AK

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 SAAB 900

31 manufacturer communications from 26 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS	4
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY	2
126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL	2
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	2
140000 AIR BAGS	2
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	1
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	1

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBR

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Vehicle Recalls

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

140000 AIR BAGS

SUBJECT REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF SRS WIRING HARNESS. *TT

151100 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

SOME CONVERTIBLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT A TWISTED SEAT BELT(S) IN THE STRAP GUIDE. *TT

138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

INFORMATION ON REPLACING CONNECTING TAB ON ELECTRICALLY HEATED REAR WINDOW. *TT

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

CONCERNS WITH CRACKS IN SOFT TOP COVER FOIL STRIP. *TT

160000 STRUCTURE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT IRRITATING ROAD AND WIND NOISE PENETRATING INTO THE CABIN THROUGH THE COVER AT THE TOP OF THE B-PILLAR. *TT

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

NOTIFICATION TO STOP PERFORMING PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN SI-831-1823 TO ADDRESS A COMPLAINT OF REAR DOORS DUFFICULT TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE ON MODELS UP TO W2019950. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

ADDRESSING CONCERNS WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF NOISES HEARD FROM THE A/C SYSTEM. *TT

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE SOFT TOP (TONNEAU) COVER LATCHES MAY NOT OPEN FULLY OR FAST ENOUGH WHEN THE SOFT TOP COVER IS BEING OPENED. *TT

140000 AIR BAGS

SRS (AIRBAG) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES MISSING FROM WORKSHOP INFORMATION. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SERVICE INFORMATION DESCRIBING FAULT DIAGNOSIS OF REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTION FOR ANIT-THEFT ALARM. *YC

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

INFORMATION ON DELETING DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AT CUSTOMER' REQUEST. *YC

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

INFORMATION ON DELETING DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AT CUSTOMER' REQUEST. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF NOISY A/C. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SERVICE INFORMATION CONTAINS THE ESSENTIAL SPECIAL TOOLS.

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

CONCERNS WITH NUTS ON REAR WINDOW AND WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS COME LOOSE. *YC

126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

CONCERNS WITH LOOSE SEAL AROUND FRONT DIRECTION INDICTORS. *YC

126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE SEAL AROUND THE FRONT DIRECTION INDICATORS / LIGHT CLUSTER CAN COME LOOSE. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

REMANUFACTURED AISIN AW TRANSMISSION, NO REVERSE AND / OR ERRATIC SHIFTS. *YC

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION ON AFFIXING AIRBAG LABEL. *TT

010000 STEERING

COMPLAINTS REGARDING NOISY OR HARD TO OPERATE TELESCOPIC STEERING ACTION. *YC

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

CONCERNS WITH WEAR MARKS ON SOFT-TOP CLOTH. *TT

221200 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT SEAT BACKREST DIFFICULT TO TIP FORWARD. *YC

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

HEADLINING FASTENS TO THE FRONT SIDE RAILS. *YC

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

COMPLAINTS OF WEAR MARKS ON SOFT-TOP CLOTH. *YC

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

DIAGNOSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE ANTI-FROST SWITCH ON VEHICLES WITH VIN T2037750 AND T7010027. *YC

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF BATTERY, DISCHARGING THROUGH LIGHT SWITCH IN LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. *TT

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING BATTERY, DISCHARGING THROUGH LIGHT SWITCH IN LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF LOW OIL LEVEL. *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.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

ALLEGED THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT A FRONTAL CRASH.

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1994

DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP PULLEY

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1999

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

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998

STOP SALE NOTICE

SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1994

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.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1990

FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988

SEAT BACK RECLINER FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988

BATTERY CABLE GROUNDING

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1984

FIRES

===

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1984

SAAB 900 FIRES

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1978

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 (current)	3	26
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	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

Other SAAB Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
9-3	47	1,689	View
99	31	0	View
9-5	30	662	View
9000	26	197	View
9-7X	16	237	View
9-2X	11	148	View
96	11	0	View
95	10	62	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1998 SAAB 900

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 SAAB 900

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SAAB 900

SAAB 900 - All Years Overview

SAAB 900 - Year by Year

Other SAAB Models