1979 Saab 99 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Saab 99 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other 99 years?

99 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 99 years to avoid →

Does the 1979 Saab 99 have recalls?

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

79V206000Speed ControlSeptember 14, 1979 · 61,739 units

Defect

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS AMBIENT HUMIDITY AND VEHICLE PRE-CONDITIONING BY REPEATED COLD START, AND SHORT TRIP DRIVING CYCLES IN COMBINATION WITH SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES, THERE EXISTS THE POSSIBILITY FOR ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE HOUSING AND TEMPORARILY IMPEDE FULL CLOSURE OF THE THROTTLE PLATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THIS ICE BUILD-UP IN THE THROTTLE HOUSING MAY CAUSE HESITATION IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM TO FURTHER IMPROVE PREHEATING OF INCOMING AIR IN COLD WEATHER. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.

1979 Saab 99 — common questions

Is the 1979 Saab 99 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1979 Saab 99 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1979 Saab 99. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1979 compare to other 99 years?

Does the 1979 Saab 99 have recalls?

1979 Saab 99 — common questions

Is the 1979 Saab 99 reliable?

Does the 1979 Saab 99 have recalls?

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