Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1988 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
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 6% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 6% | — 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
BOLTS USED IN THE ATTACHMENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL ARMS MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Consequence
IF MORE THAN ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS SHOULD FAIL, LOWERFRONT CONTROL ARM COULD COME LOOSE LEADING TO LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF AFRONT WHEEL.
Remedy
REPLACE BOLTS WITH PROPER SPECIFICATION BOLTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK”
“PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK”
“DRIVER'S SEAT ANCHORING BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO SEAT BASE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ATTACHMENT BOLT. ODOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE ON MOST PRE-1990 MODELS AS STATED BY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN SAAB REPAIRS. MECHANIC STATES THAT THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE GEARING MECHANISM…”
“MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. SOMETIMES THEY DON'T ENGAGE, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T RELEASE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK.”
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.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 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.