Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median 900 year — the 1989 model ranks #4 of 23 900 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (5), seat belts (5), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
34
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 6% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A REVERSE CURRENT MIGHT FLOW THROUGH A WIRE CABLE BETWEEN THE AIR RECIRCULATION SWITCH AND A MICROSWITCH.
Consequence
HEATER FAN RESISTOR WOULD OVERHEAT AND SMOKE IN THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT HEATING SYSTEM, CAUSING DISCOMFORT AND BREATHING HAZARDSTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS.
Remedy
DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL WIRE CABLE AND SECURE BY TAPE AROUND CABLE HARNESS.
Defect
FUEL FILTER MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION CONCERNING LEAKAGE CRITERIA DUE TO LOW TEMPERATURE DURING THE GLUING PROCESS.
Consequence
FUEL FILTER MAY LEAK CREATING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy
REPLACE FUEL FILTER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RIGHT SIDE PASSIVE SEATBELT SYSTEM FAILED MOTOR CAUSED SHOULDER BELT KEY TO GO BACK AND FORTH . DRIVER SIDE DID THE SAME. REPAIR TECH SAID THAT IT WAS A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM AND THAT IT WAS COMMOM WITH SAABS WITH THIS TYPE OF SAFETY BELTS. COST OF REPAIR WOULD BE $650 DID NOT REPAIR HAD TECH LOCK…”
“TIMING CHAIN FAILED DURING NORMAL OPERATION AT 35 MPH CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL AND $2400 IN ENGINE VALVE DAMAGE. TIMING CHAIN IS NOT SPECIFICED AS A NORMAL REPLACEMENT ITEM.”
“ALTERNATOR, CARBURETOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, DRAINING OF POWER ; NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM, THE AUTO HAS SAT NOW FOR TWO YEARS BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF POURING MONEY INTO IT ONLY TO HAVE IT UNABLE TO REPAIRED PROPERLY. *JB”
“THE DEALER IN LITTLE ROCK, AR. INDICATED THAT THIS TYPE OF A PROBLEM IS COMMON BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. ANY PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE IS NOT COMMON. HAD I BEEN TRAVELLING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND MY FAMILY WOULD BE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 1989 model at #4 of 23 900 years. It is one of the 900 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 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.