Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1987 Saab 9000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 40% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 20% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE CALL MANUFACTURER SAID CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL CONSUMER HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL PURCHASE CAR NEW . TT *JB”
“REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTED FROM INSIDE, CAUSING THEM TO CRACK.FROM INSIDE OUT, OFFERING NO SUPPORT FOR REAR AXLE WHICH WAS REAL CLOSE TO FALLIN GLOOSE FROM CAR. *AK”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Saab 9000. 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 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.