Defect
THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL MAY RUPTURE DUE TO STRESS.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLY A FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE FUEL HOSE WITH NEW PREFORMED PLASTIC HOSE.
1986 Saab 900 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1986 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.
18
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1986 compare to other 900 years?
What are the most common 1986 Saab 900 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 11% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 6% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 6% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 6% | new |
Does the 1986 Saab 900 have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BOLT IN THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TORQUED AND MAY BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFT TO PULL OUT OF THE JOINT AND RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLY AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE AND PROPERLY TORQUE BOLT.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE TACHOMETER TO DROP AND THE STEERING TO BECOME HEAVY YET THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN SMOOTHLY, AS THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTS TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER THE POWER RETURNS BEFORE THE CAR STOPS, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. NLM”
“WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH THERE WAS NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. ALSO, BATTERY KEPT GOING DEAD/ AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT/THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STOPPED WORKING/BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AND REPLACED FOUR…”
“WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH THERE WAS NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. ALSO, BATTERY KEPT GOING DEAD/ AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT/THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STOPPED WORKING/BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AND REPLACED FOUR…”
“WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH THERE WAS NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. ALSO, BATTERY KEPT GOING DEAD/ AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT/THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STOPPED WORKING/BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AND REPLACED FOUR…”
1986 Saab 900 — common questions
Is the 1986 Saab 900 reliable?
The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
What are the most common 1986 900 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).
Does the 1986 Saab 900 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Saab 900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Which Saab 900 years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.