Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1987 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.
12
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 25% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 8% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 8% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT; THE RESULTING HEATBUILDUP COULD CAUSE SMOKE OR A FIRE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
INSTALL RUBBER PROTECTIVE STRIPS TO SHARP EDGES AND COMPLETELY ENCASE WIRE HARNESS IN A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC TUBE.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON FAILURE ON SAAB 900 CARS, WELL KNOWN TO DEALERS AND THE FACTORY AS WELL AS THE TSN BULLETIN BOARD WHICH HAS BEEN UP SINCE 1988. [WWW.SAABNET.COM] THE MANUFACTURER HAS MADE AVAILABLE A REINFORCED LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BUT HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR EITHER THE PART OR…”
“MY 1987 SAAB 900 CAUGHTON FIRE WITH ME IN IT. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST SAAB BUT I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. I NEED HELP. THANK YOU.*AK”
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 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.