Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1984 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.
4
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | 50% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 25% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ELECTRICAL CABLE BETWEEN THE STARTER AND THE ALTERNATOR CAN RUB AGAINST THE BRAKE FLUID PIPE ATTACHED TO THE LEFT INNER WHEELHOUSE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: RUBBING WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE THE CABLE INSULATION AND RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy
THE CABLE CONNECTION AT THE ALTERNATOR WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE CABLE REPOSITIONED TO ELIMINATE RUBBING.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS SAAB WAS PURCHASED WITH EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AFTER CORRECTING MOST GROUNDING POINTS IT BURNED OUT THE WARM UP REGULATOR. WITH THAT OUT OF THE CIRCUT, THE FUELPUMP BEGAN TO VAPOR LOCK. RELEASING THE BANJO FITTING AT THE DISTRIBUTOR PRODUCED A SUCKING SOUND., BACK AT THE FUEL PUMP IN…”
“THIS SAAB WAS PURCHASED WITH EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AFTER CORRECTING MOST GROUNDING POINTS IT BURNED OUT THE WARM UP REGULATOR. WITH THAT OUT OF THE CIRCUT, THE FUELPUMP BEGAN TO VAPOR LOCK. RELEASING THE BANJO FITTING AT THE DISTRIBUTOR PRODUCED A SUCKING SOUND., BACK AT THE FUEL PUMP IN…”
“THIS SAAB WAS PURCHASED WITH EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AFTER CORRECTING MOST GROUNDING POINTS IT BURNED OUT THE WARM UP REGULATOR. WITH THAT OUT OF THE CIRCUT, THE FUELPUMP BEGAN TO VAPOR LOCK. RELEASING THE BANJO FITTING AT THE DISTRIBUTOR PRODUCED A SUCKING SOUND., BACK AT THE FUEL PUMP IN…”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — 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 1984 Saab 900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.