Saab 900 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 196 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls on file for the Saab 900, across 6 model years (1995–2000). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (100). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Saab 900 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 900 year: 1995, 1996. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1995 900: 100 complaints, 7 recalls
- 1996 900: 48 complaints, 3 recalls
- 1998 900: 24 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Saab 900 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 36 | 5 | 0 |
| Power Train | 36 | 5 | 2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 29 | 4 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 26 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 17 | 3 | 2 |
| Structure | 14 | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | 3 | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Equipment | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
All Saab 900 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 900 | 1 | 0 | — | Tires | |
| 1999 900 | 2 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1998 900 | 24 | 3 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1997 900 | 21 | 3 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1996 900 | 48 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1995 900 | 100 | 7 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Saab: all Saab models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Saab 900 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (100), 1996 (48) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 900 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Saab 900?
Electrical System, with 36 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Saab 900 have?
10 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.