Model year record

1994 SAAB 900 recalls & problems

The 1994 SAAB 900 has 8 safety recalls and 44 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (16 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints44filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingFeb 24, 1998

Headlights

Recall 98V03800092,505 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlMar 21, 1997

Vehicle speed control

Recall 97V04600052,500 vehicles

Problem: CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
Risk: THIS BINDING CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE PLATE NOT RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS RELEASED AND A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.

Power trainMar 29, 1995

Manual transmission

Recall 95V0680008,993 vehicles

Problem: IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION, REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, AND STILL HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, OR, TO ACCIDENTLY DISENGAGE REVERSE BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER.
Risk: IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE CAR CAN ROLL FROM ITS ORIGINAL PARKED POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE COMPONENTS AND COMPLETE A SPECIALLY DEVELOPED SERVICE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE THAT WILL ENSURE THAT WHEN THE SHIFT IS MOVED TO THE REVERSE POSITION, THE REVERSE GEAR IS ACTUALLY ENGAGED.

SeatsNov 18, 1994

Front assembly › Recliner

Recall 94V22600010,584 vehicles

Problem: ONE OR MORE OF THE ARC WELDS CAN BE MISSING ON THE SEAT BACK FRAME RECLINER.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A SEAT BACK FALLING BACKWARDS UNDER A LOAD.
Fix: BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS WILL BE INSPECTED WITH THE USE OF A HOOK TO PULL BACK THE SEAT BACK UPHOLSTERY. FOR ANY SEAT WITH MISSING WELDS, THE SEAT BACK FRAME/RECLINER WILL BE REPLACED.

StructureSep 14, 1994

Body › Door

Recall 94V1740009,814 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: THE TWO WELD POINTS IN THE REARWARD ATTACHMENT BRACKET FOR THE SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION BEAM IN THE REAR DOOR MAY BE OUT OF POSITION. IF THE WELDS ARE OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLES WILL NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 214, S5, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE REAR SEATS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE COLLISION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUPPORT BRACKETS AT THE SUPPORT WELD LOCATIONS.

SeatsJul 8, 1994

Seats

Recall 94V1270001,015 vehicles

Problem: TWO TRIGGER SPRINGS MOUNTED TO THE FORE/AFT ADJUSTMENT LEVER DO NOT DEVELOP SUFFICIENT FORCE TO PROPERLY LOCK THE SEAT RAILS. AFTER THE SEAT IS ADJUSTED, THIS DOES NOT ALLOW THE SEAT RAIL LOCK TO PROPERLY ENGAGE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO MOVE IN A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION.
Risk: THIS CAN INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE BOTH FRONT SEATS AND THE TWO SPRINGS ON EACH SEAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW SPRINGS WITH PROPER TENSION TO ENSURE PROPER ENGAGEMENT.

SeatsJun 13, 1994

Seats

Recall 94V1100003,252 vehicles

Problem: A WELD IN THE SEAT RAILS WAS NOT MADE, INCREASING THE RISK OF FATIGUE CRACKS FORMING AROUND THE ATTACHMENT BUSHINGS ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, CAUSING THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HEIGHT ADJUSTER BREAKING IN A REAR END COLLISION AND ALLOWING THE SEAT TO FOLD BACKWARDS.
Risk: THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT FRAME RAILS.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 16, 1994

Foundation components › Disc

Recall 94V0740007,443 vehicles

Problem: THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND/OR PADS SHIELDS DO NOT PROTECT THE ASSEMBLIES FROM BEING COATED WITH A LAYER OF SLUSH, ROAD SALT OR WATER WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN. THIS CAN RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKING ACTION THAT INCREASES NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE.
Risk: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE SHIELDS WITH A NEW DESIGN. AN ADDITIONAL HOLE WILL BE DRILLED IN THE STEERING KING PIN HOUSING TO ATTACH A LARGER COVER PLATE. A SMALLER PROTECTION PLATE WILL ALSO BE ATTACHED TO THE EXISTING TWO BOLTS IN THE HUB.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

900

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

900

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

900

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

900

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine	16	0	0	—
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition	11	1	2	—
Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission	11	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	9	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	6	1	0	—
VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices; Defroster/defogger/hvac system	5	0	0	—
SuspensionFront; Front › Control arm › Lower arm	4	0	0	—
Unknown or other	4	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	3	2	0	—
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Fog lights	3	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections	2	0	0	—
Fuel system, otherStorage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices	2	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Seats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SAAB 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WAS CRACKED AND HAD A DAMAGED FRAME THAT WAS DETERIORATING. THE SEAT WAS NOT SECURED AND WOULD MOVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ALSO EXHIBITED THE FAILURE. THE SRS SENSOR AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESET THE CODES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V226000 (SEATS) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…
Oct 9, 1995 · 22,601 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
THE EXPERIENCE LEAKING HEAD GASKET REPEATED PROBLEM. THE ENGINE OVERHEATING AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *BF THE BRAKES SQUEALED WHEN STOPPING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS HARD TO CLOSE, THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD RUN BAD, THE HEAT OPERATION WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, SEAT COVER LEFT LOWER CRACKED, FLUID LEAKED UNDER THE VEHICLE/OVERNIGHT COOLANT LEAK, OVER HEATING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY, LEAKING DISTRIBUTOR SEAL, BROKEN TURN SIGNAL, AT A CERTAIN POSITION THE SEAT WOULD NOT OPERATE FORWARD, THE ANTENNA WOULD NOT PROPERLY RETRACT, LEFT FOG LIGHT INOPERABLE, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FRONT AND REAR FOR PROPER RUBBER ALIGNMENT, LEAKING CRANK PULLEY…
Jul 27, 1994
Tires
WHILE DRIVING ON THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY AT 3:00 P.M. ON 4/30/04, I HEARD A POP AND I THOUGHT A BELT SNAPPED, MY CAR, A 1994 SAAB S, JERKED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GAIN CONTROL. I SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A TIRE ROLE FROM EAST TO WEST ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I THOUGHT I RAN OVER IT. FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD A PERSON ON ANOTHER CAR TOLD ME I DIDN'T HAVE A TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR IN THE REAR. WHEN I PULLED OFF THE EXPRESSAY I SAW THE TIRE WAS MISSING. THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE SIDES. THE SIDES OF THE TIRE WERE LEFT ON THE WHEEL. *AK
Apr 30, 2004 · 78,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
IN JULY OF 2003, SAAB OF SANTA MONICA, CA REPLACED THE TIMING BELT ON MY USED 1994 SAAB 900 (65,000 MILE SERVICE). THE LABOR WAS COMPLIMENTARY AND COVERED UNDER A CHANGE IN SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OUTLINED BY SAAB USA IN A LETTER SENT OUT TO SAAB 900 OWNERS IN JULY 1995. THE LETTER AMENDED INFORMATION IN THE WARRANTIES AND SERVICE RECORD BOOKLET AND OWNER'S MANUAL AND STATED THAT RATHER THAN EVERY 95,000 MILES, SAAB WAS NOW RECOMMENDING THAT THE BELT FOR THE CAMSHAFT DRIVE MECHANISM BE REPLACED BEGINNING WITH THE 35,000 MILE MAJOR SERVICE AND AT INTERVALS OF 30,000 MILES THEREAFTER. AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, IN ADDITION TO REPLACING THE TIMING BELT, NON-ROUTINE LABOR WAS DONE ON THE TENSIONERS.…
Oct 17, 2003 · 72,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE.*MR THE GASKET SURROUNDING THE TIMING BELT COVER BECAME TANGLED WITH THE TIMING BELT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START.*TS *JB
Aug 14, 2003 · 90,837 miles
Electrical system › WiringCrash
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO FOUND A BUNDLE OF WIRES HELD TOGETHER BY A PLASTIC BINDER WIRE CLIP. THE BUNDLE BECAME LOOSE AND A WIRE WAS EXPOSED TO AND RUBBING ON METAL. *NLM
Mar 21, 2003
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TIMMING BELT TENSION ON HER VEHICLE. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS REPLACED IT ONCE AND IT WAS WARRANTIED FOR 3500 MILES AND IT HAS HAPPEND AGAIN THIS ALSO CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. TS
Nov 20, 2002
Power train › Manual transmission
RECALL 95 V 068 000/TRANSMISSION MANUAL: VEHICLE OPERATED IN REVERSE INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
May 1, 2000

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP PULLEYClosed
a
DP00008 · opened Sep 25, 2000 · closed Nov 19, 2001
NEW WHEEL BOLTSClosed
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.
SQ98018 · opened Oct 9, 1998 · closed Oct 27, 1998
AUDIO SYSTEM FIRESClosed
SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.
SQ98006 · opened Apr 22, 1998 · closed May 8, 1998