Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1981 Saab 900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AT THE FUEL GAUGE TRANSMITTER MAY RESULT IN A STOPPAGE OF THE FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE STALLING. IN EXTREME CASES, FUEL VAPOR MAY LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy
THE FUEL GAUGE TRANSMITTER WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED, IF DAMAGED.
Defect
THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT PERMANENT LUBRICATION IN THE BUCKLE/RELEASE MECHANISM OF THE TYPE 2 SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. THIS MAY CAUSE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS TO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN FULLY FASTENING SEAT BELTS, ALTHOUGH THEY MAY SEEM TO BE FULLY FASTENED.
Remedy
A SPECIAL WAX LUBRICANT WILL BE SPRAYED INTO THE BUCKLE RECEPTACLE SLOT TO REMEDY DEFECT AND PREVENT REOCCURANCE. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 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.