Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1986 Saab 9000 — 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 33% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 33% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ABRASION ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT CARD IN THE COMBINATION NEUTRAL SAFETY/BACKUP LAMP SWITCH OPERATED BY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR MAY CAUSE RESIDUE TO COLLECT IN ELECTRICAL AREA ON THE CIRCUIT CARD.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITHSMOKE AND POSSIBLY A FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA.
Remedy
ADD AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT, INCLUDING A RELAY, TO THE BACKUP LAMP CIRCUIT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT THAT CAN FLOW THROUGH THE COMBINATION SWITCH.
Defect
THE WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BRACKET. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF A SHORT CIRCUIT DEVELOPS, IT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
AFFIX TWO RUBBER STRIPS TO THE VERTICAL EDGES OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BRACKET.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND INOPERATIVE.THE FIRE BEGAN UNDER THE HOOD IT CAUSED AN EXPLOSION.THE CAR WAS STARTED BY ITSELF.(EA95-020). TT”
“FRONT SEAT BACKS HAVE ALMOST AN INCH OF FREE-PLAY FRONT TO REAR. THIS FREE PLAY IS FELT ON STOPS, FLOPPING BACK TO FRONT, PARTICULARLY ON DOWNHILL STOPS. MAY CAUSE BACK INJURY AND ROAD DISTRACTION.”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Saab 9000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 9000 years to avoid are 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among 9000 years belongs to 1998.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.