VehicleVerdict

1996 Saab 900 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 78 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.5 times the median 900 year — the 1996 model ranks #3 of 23 900 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (17), transmission (13), and engine (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

78

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other 900 years?

900 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted159 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 18 complaints1987: 12 complaints1988: 18 complaints1989: 34 complaints1990: 21 complaints1991: 15 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 8 complaints1994: 88 complaints1995: 159 complaints1996: 78 complaints1997: 27 complaints1998: 26 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 1 complaints
900 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 900 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Saab 900 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1722%
Transmission1317%
Engine1013%
Fuel System68%
Airbags56%
Steering34%
Speed Control34%
Lighting34%
Other34%
Body & Structure34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)23%
Seats23%
Suspension23%
Brakes11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Latches & Locks11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1996 Saab 900 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V038000LightingFebruary 24, 1998 · 92,505 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY AIMING THE HEADLIGHTING SYSTEM WERE OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE SENT AIMING INSTRUCTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THE OWNER GUIDES. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN AFFIX THE INSERTS IN THEIR OWNER GUIDE FOR THEM.

97V046000Speed ControlMarch 21, 1997 · 52,500 units

Defect

CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.

Consequence

THIS BINDING CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE PLATE NOT RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS RELEASED AND A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.

96V077000Seat BeltsMay 3, 1996 · 1,058 units

Defect

DURING STATIC TESTING OF BELT ANCHORAGE POINTS, THE OUTBOARD ATTACHMENT PLATE BEING USED IN THE TESTING DEFORMED AND DETACHED FROM THE SEAT ANCHORAGE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES" AND NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE BELT MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES FOR THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE. ANY ASSEMBLY WITH DATE YEAR 96 WEEK 10 DAY 2 WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER A 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA BEFORE A FIRE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON SITE TO PUT OUT FIRE. SAAB HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK VEHICLE TRAVELING, CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND STAYED ON THE CAUSE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 27, 1997 · fire

“AFTER A 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA BEFORE A FIRE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON SITE TO PUT OUT FIRE. SAAB HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK VEHICLE TRAVELING, CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND STAYED ON THE CAUSE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 27, 1997 · fire

“AFTER A 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA BEFORE A FIRE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON SITE TO PUT OUT FIRE. SAAB HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK VEHICLE TRAVELING, CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND STAYED ON THE CAUSE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 27, 1997 · fire

“IN JUNE 2003, A CRACK WAS DISCOVERED IN THE FUEL TANK OF MY 1996 SAAB 900S. THE TANK WAS REPLACED. ON 28 JULY 2004, THE REPLACEMENT TANK WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE A LEAK AND WAS REPLACED. ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2005, THE SECOND REPLACEMENT TANK WAS DIAGNOSED AS LEAKING.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 30, 2003

“AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY 6 MONTHS. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING AND WITHIN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS THE WARNING LIGHT IS BACK ON AGAIN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags

1996 Saab 900 — common questions

Is the 1996 Saab 900 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 78 complaints put the 1996 model at #3 of 23 900 years. It is one of the 900 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 900 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), engine (10 complaints).

Does the 1996 Saab 900 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Saab 900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Saab 900 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.