Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1985 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.
5
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | 60% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 20% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 20% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FLEXIBLE FUEL HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT OF ITS NORMAL POSITION AND HAVE A SHARP BEND OR TWIST NEAR ONE OF ITS FITTINGS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD LEAD TO HOSE RUPTURE, FUEL LEAKAGE, AND POSSIBLY A FIRE.
Remedy
ADJUST THE POSITION OF THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER. TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT PLASTIC COVERING THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DETERIORATING AND CAUSED THE PROBLEM.”
“WHILE REVERSING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL INTO THE WELL AND THE VEHICLE TO BE STUCK.”
The record is thin — 5 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 1985 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.