Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1979 Saab 900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 50% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 50% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A PROBLEM RELATING TO THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE BRACKET ATTACHMENT COULD CAUSE LEAKING OF TRANSMISSION OIL. TRANSMISSION COULD LOCK UP DUE TO LACK OF PROPER OIL LUBRICATION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING EXHAUST PIPE BRACKET WITH ONE THAT ATTACHES TO THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER GASKET WILL ALSO BE REPLACED, USING SCREWS INSTEAD OF STUDS.
Defect
THE INSULATION OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY POSSIBLY MELT OR BECOME BRITTLE DUE TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURES WHICH MAY BE GENERATED IN THE VICINITY OF THE CABLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE "B+" CABLE (POSITIVE CABLE FROM STARTER), ADD PROTECTIVE SLEEVES OVER THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS, AND INSTALL A NEW HEAT GUARD FOR THE BATTERY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS AMBIENT HUMIDITY AND VEHICLE PRE-CONDITIONING BY REPEATED COLD START, AND SHORT TRIP DRIVING CYCLES IN COMBINATION WITH SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES, THERE EXISTS THE POSSIBILITY FOR ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE HOUSING AND TEMPORARILY IMPEDE FULL CLOSURE OF THE THROTTLE PLATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THIS ICE BUILD-UP IN THE THROTTLE HOUSING MAY CAUSE HESITATION IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM TO FURTHER IMPROVE PREHEATING OF INCOMING AIR IN COLD WEATHER. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
THE HEADLAMP RELAY MAY FAIL IN SUCH A WAY AS TO CAUSE THE HEADLAMPS TO FAIL TO SWITCH FROM LOW TO HIGH BEAM (OR VICE VERSA) WHEN THE CONTROL SWITCH IS OPERATED. ALSO, THE HEADLAMPS MAY SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY OR COMPLETELY.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HEADLAMP RELAY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS IS IMPORTANT: THE RT PASS SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD MY WIFE IN A HEAD ON CRASH, AND SOMEBODY REMOVED THE CAR FROM SALVAGE YARD QUICKLY, INC CO AND YARD OWNER DID NOT KNOW WHO TOOK IT BEFORE INVESTIGATION COULD BE MADE ON BELT FAILURE..SUSPECT SAAB HAD IT PICKED UP IN 7 DAYS AFTER…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Saab 900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 900 years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1996, 1989. The cleanest record among 900 years belongs to 1980.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.