Saab's lineup has 174 recorded NHTSA recalls across 7 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.0/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Saab's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Saab — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Saab, originating from Sweden, was renowned for its innovative engineering, particularly in safety and advanced technology, often attracting enthusiasts who valued performance and a distinctive driving experience. Historically, Saab vehicles were favored by those seeking a reliable and thoughtfully designed automobile, and today, a dedicated following continues to appreciate the brand’s heritage. ForCar.org allows you to decode any SAAB VIN to uncover full vehicle specs, recall history, and detailed information about your specific model.
Buying or selling? See what used Saab models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Saab models 7
Every Saab model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Saab SUVs & crossovers 1
Saab Cars & sedans 4
Saab More models 2
Saab recalls
Across the Saab lineup, ForCar tracks 174 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Saab recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Saab model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saab 9-3 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Saab 900 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Saab 9-5 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Saab 9000 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Saab 9-7X | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Saab 9-2X | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Saab 9-4x | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Saab: Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Saab reliable?
Across rated models, Saab averages a 4.0/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 7 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Saab competed in the European luxury and near-luxury segments against BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Volkswagen and Alfa Romeo with quirky-engineered Scandinavian positioning that emphasized turbocharging, safety and aerodynamics. The brand never achieved volume sales sufficient to support standalone product development, and GM's 1989-2010 ownership produced increasingly badge-engineered products that diluted the brand identity. Saab's 2011 bankruptcy ended the brand commercially, and subsequent revival attempts have not produced new vehicles.
Saab models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Saab model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saab 9-3 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Saab 9-5 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Saab 900 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Saab 9-7X | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Saab 9000 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Saab 9-2X | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Saab 9-4x | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Saab models
The most fuel-efficient Saab models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saab 9-3 | Car | |
| 02 | Saab 9-5 | Car | |
| 03 | Saab 9-2X | Car | |
| 04 | Saab 900 | Car | |
| 05 | Saab 9000 | Car | |
| 06 | Saab 9-4x | Car | |
| 07 | Saab 9-7X | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Saab models
NHTSA safety rankings for Saab are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
How much is Saab insurance?
Across 4 Saab models with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,499 a year on full coverage. The 9-5 is cheapest to insure (≈ $1,270/yr) and the 9-2X priciest (≈ $1,737/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Saab insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Get a Saab window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Saab's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Saab window stickers →How to read a Saab VIN
Every Saab built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Saab and the country it was built in (real Saab codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- FinlandYK1
- SwedenYS3
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Saab
Svenska Aeroplan AB (Saab) was founded in 1937 to build military aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. After World War II, with reduced military demand, the company diversified into automobiles using aircraft-inspired engineering — the 1949 Saab 92 had a streamlined low-drag body, front-wheel drive (rare for the era) and a two-stroke transverse engine. The 1968 Saab 99 introduced the four-stroke architecture and pioneered headrests as standard equipment. The 1985 9000 was Saab's first executive-class sedan and the platform that GM evaluated when acquiring its 1989 stake.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Trollhättan, Sweden |
| Slogan | "Move your mind" |
| Models tracked | 7 (1981–2026) |
Saab — frequently asked
How do I decode a Saab VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Saab models are there?
ForCar tracks 7 Saab models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Saab made?
Saab is headquartered in Trollhättan, Sweden, founded in 1945. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Saab recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Saab model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Saab is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Saab warranty?
New Saab vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Saab dealer.