VehicleVerdict

1997 Saab 9000 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1997 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 9000 years?

9000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9000 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Saab 9000 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine338%
Speed Control338%
Brakes113%
Child Seat113%

Does the 1997 Saab 9000 have recalls?

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

98V139000OtherJune 23, 1998 · 39,313 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE REVVED AT A HIGH RATE. CONSUMER SWITCHED TO NEUTRAL/SHUT OFF VEHICLE TO TEMPORALLY STOP THE PROBLEM. ON ONE OCCASION CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIPS MECHANIC TRIED TO REPAIR VEHICLE 3 TIMES, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 2004

“PROBLEMS WITH ABS ON A 1997 SAAB 9000 CS.*MR THE ABS ECM UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 45900, AT 55393 MOST OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THIS TYPE OF BRAKE WORK SHOULD NOT OCCUR AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE, ALSO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 24, 2001

“PROBLEMS WITH ABS ON A 1997 SAAB 9000 CS.*MR THE ABS ECM UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 45900, AT 55393 MOST OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THIS TYPE OF BRAKE WORK SHOULD NOT OCCUR AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE, ALSO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 24, 2001

1997 Saab 9000 — common questions

Is the 1997 Saab 9000 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Saab 9000 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Saab 9000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.