Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1982 Saab 900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE STRUCK MEDIAN STIP AT 5MPH, AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT NEVER FULLY INFLATED (NEVER TOUCHING DRIVER BODY.) AT THE SAME TIME THICK BLACK SMOKE POURED OUT OF AIR BAG, BURNING DRIVER'S THUMB. SEAT BELT NEVER TIGHTENED AS AIR BAG DEPLOYED.”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1982 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.