VehicleVerdict

1991 Saab 9000 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1991 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.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 9000 years?

9000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted34 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 5 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 24 complaints1990: 8 complaints1991: 11 complaints1992: 32 complaints1993: 34 complaints1994: 20 complaints1995: 10 complaints1996: 23 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 1 complaints
9000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9000 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Saab 9000 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission218%
Fuel System218%
Seat Belts218%
Electrical System19%
Body & Structure19%
Airbags19%
Brakes19%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)19%

Does the 1991 Saab 9000 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

91V002000TransmissionOctober 2, 1991 · 250 units

Defect

IMPROPER ASSEMBLY COULD CAUSE THE BALL OF THE GEAR SELECTOR ARM NOT TO BE PROPERLY FIXED TO THE SOCKET ON THE END OF THE GEAR SELECTOR CABLE; GEAR SELECTOR ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE GEAR SELECTOR CABLE AT THE BALL SOCKET JOINT.

Consequence

THE GEAR POSITION COULD NOT BE SELECTED OR DETERMINEDUSING THE SELECTOR LEVER; CAR COULD BE STARTED IN GEAR OTHER THAN PARK ORNEUTRAL, RESULTING IN SUDDEN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT.

Remedy

PROPERLY SEAT GEAR SELECTOR ARM BALL IN THE SELECTOR CABLE SOCKET AND SECURE BY A LOCK RING INSIDE THE SOCKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CLUTCH PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CLUTCH INITIALLY DOES NOT ENGAGE BECAUSE THE PEDAL IS ON THE FLOOR. HOWEVER, THE PRESSURE EVENTUALLY BLEEDS OFF AND THE CLUTCH ENGAGES WITHOUT WARNING DESPITE THE FACT THE PEDAL IS ENGAGED. YOU STILL HAVE TO PHYSICALLY PULL THE CLUTCH PEDAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 16, 1998

“MY 1991 SAAB 9000CD TURBO "EATS" IGNITION MODULES. THIS HAPPENS ROUGHLY EVERY 10,000 MILES. AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $450 EACH IT'S EXPENSIVE. WHEN THE MODULE FAILS, THE ENGINE STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN BE HAZARDOUS IN TRAFFIC. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 30, 2006

1991 Saab 9000 — common questions

Is the 1991 Saab 9000 reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1991 9000 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).

Does the 1991 Saab 9000 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Saab 9000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Saab 9000 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Saab 9000 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 9000 years to avoid are 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among 9000 years belongs to 1998.

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.