Saab 900 — Recalls, Reliability, Specs & VIN Decoder

Electrical fire. *ak

On april 27, 2003, my saab 900 se had an electrical failure while driving within a minute had completely destroyed the car. The "check battery" light came on along with the hazard light. My wife was driving the car in heavy traffic and just escaped the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames. The police had to call me to get the license plate number and vin, as they had melted. The car had 72,000 miles and had been checked twice in the past year. Just months before it had been completely inspected. The car was in show room condition. *jb

After a 30 minutes of driving vehicle was parked in a parking lot. Smoke was noticed coming from underneath the hood area before a fire started. Fire department was on site to put out fire. Saab has been contacted.*ak vehicle traveling, check the engine light appeared and stayed on the cause was determined to be a sensor. The vehicle slips while in gear and before going into gear due to loss of fluid by lthe leaking transmission. *yh

Vehicle idling in parked position, occupants smelled funny odor, smell got wqrse, subsequently fire started coming from underhood, vehicle available for inspection. *ak

While driving, consumer commented that the digital indicator panel felt hot, consumer parked vehicle while at dinner, then returned, the power assist brakes failed and then the coolant low light, headlamp out and washer low indicators illuminated, the next morning consumer raised the hood and discovered a fire had occurred, the upper and lower radiator hoses had melted, the electrical wiring below the hoses were bare copper, the battery, power steering reservoir, plastic engine cover, battery cables, vacuum hoses and cooling fins on the electrical cooling motor had all melted, the hood insulation was also damaged, there was additional fire damage under the plastic engine cover, it is uncertain as to what caused this fire. *slc

Clutch became inoperable while consumer was driving. Also, there was a small compartment fire. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak

Started automobile and went 2 car lengths and saw smoke coming from under hood. Shut engine down and opened hood. Cause of smoke was a cable that was on fire. Not hugh, but like bic lighter flames. About 3 to 5. Blew out fire. Went into office got some bottled water. Came back. Restarted auto. Got out and looked at engine. Fire again. Put out with water. Nothing on electronic infor display indicated fire. Called dealer and mechanic advised to have car towed in, which i did. At first saab rep did not even wish to pay for cause of problem, the electical harness. Finally did, but this is a fire. I have drove cars for the past 40 years. They (saab) should not take a fire lightly. I think they should recall the car and investigate why it caught on fire. They elected easy way out. They should provide me with a new replacement and have their engineers go through to find out cause and make remedies. Why does it take a loss of life to get action? My dealership people mentioned that this is the 4th electrical harness that has needed replacing and this in only one dealer. I know this is the first fire that the dealership has seen. Do the public a service and take saab to task. As my new web page states, a fire should be taken seriously. I can only think you will agree. *ak

While driving the vehicle lost all power. The vehicle was sent to the dealership who found a bundle of wires held together by a plastic binder wire clip. The bundle became loose and a wire was exposed to and rubbing on metal. *nlm

A fire started in the passenger side dash of the car, in a rapid sequence of events the windshield cracked, the passenger air bag deployed and thick smoke engulfed the interior of the vehicle, as the driver exited the vehicle the drivers side air bag deployed adding to the flames, the vehicle was totaled. Nlm

When started, vehicle begins to smoke and catch fire. Fire failure possibly due to electrical failure. Please describe details w/location of fire on vehicle.

After a 30 minutes of driving vehicle was parked in a parking lot. Smoke was noticed coming from underneath the hood area before a fire started. Fire department was on site to put out fire. Saab has been contacted.*ak vehicle traveling, check the engine light appeared and stayed on the cause was determined to be a sensor. The vehicle slips while in gear and before going into gear due to loss of fluid by lthe leaking transmission. *yh

Bought car with undisclosed problems. Trying to resolve this with seller without success.

While driving, consumer commented that the digital indicator panel felt hot, consumer parked vehicle while at dinner, then returned, the power assist brakes failed and then the coolant low light, headlamp out and washer low indicators illuminated, the next morning consumer raised the hood and discovered a fire had occurred, the upper and lower radiator hoses had melted, the electrical wiring below the hoses were bare copper, the battery, power steering reservoir, plastic engine cover, battery cables, vacuum hoses and cooling fins on the electrical cooling motor had all melted, the hood insulation was also damaged, there was additional fire damage under the plastic engine cover, it is uncertain as to what caused this fire. *slc

Casing around transmission cracked, causing oil to leak out onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in an engine fire.

Thermostat failed, causing vehicle fire. *ak

Engine motor mounts broke, causing a fire, in for repairs twice. *ak

Vehicle engine fire.

Catalytic converter overheated wiring and sent smoke into passenger compartment. Tt

Engine compartment fire due to oil leak.(ohio state police report)

Chronic, abrupt stalling problems for 3+ years. Dealership has tried to repair on at least, 15+ occasions. Dealership had it at their facility for over 3 months one period, conducting diagnostic tests. Parts changed: sensors; multiple times, wiring harness, "main computer chip" and various other parts. The car abruptly stalls. It will stall at anytime - whether driving, coasting, at a stop, or on the expressway. It will stall without warning and is very difficult to control the vehicle safely to the roadside multiple times over and over without causing a collision. I just got the vehicle back from the dealership again last week after they "possibly fixed it again" . I drove a distance of 15 miles before the car started stammering, jerking and stalling again. It took me over an hour to drive the return few back home, which was a harrowing experience. The vehicle is kept garaged by me, in mint body condition inside and out and only has 65,000 miles on it. Saab has offered to apply 4,000 credit toward a purchase of another vehicle from them. It is clear saab knows that this vehicle is defective or would not have made offer. Unfortunately, the vehicle is worth much more than what they had offered; aside from being mechanically defective/unrepairable, they can't trace the problem in their vehicle that they made. I can't afford to get in another car pymt and am in real fear that will be involved in a crash in this clearly defective vehicle. I had previously filed a complaint for exact this same mechanical problem (that still has not been resolved nor even investigated by the odi or nhtsa). I see posts all over the internet with same or similar problems with saab vehicles. Someone needs to investigate this problem as it is very serious and dangerous to have these vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, i'm sure that i am not the only one that has no other option than to drive a vehicle like this. *jb

After a 30 minutes of driving vehicle was parked in a parking lot. Smoke was noticed coming from underneath the hood area before a fire started. Fire department was on site to put out fire. Saab has been contacted.*ak vehicle traveling, check the engine light appeared and stayed on the cause was determined to be a sensor. The vehicle slips while in gear and before going into gear due to loss of fluid by lthe leaking transmission. *yh

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 saab 900. The contact stated that the vehicle would roll backwards and forwards numerous times unless the parking brake was applied. While in a parking lot, the vehicle rolled backwards into an intersection and struck a stop sign. She has taken the vehicle to the dealer approximately six times, however, they were unable to determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 95v068000 (power train:manual transmission), although her vehicle was experiencing the same failure. The failure mileage was 150 and current mileage was 118,000. Updated 12/12/2007 *bf the consumer stated it is impossible to move the shift lever into the reverse gear position, remove the key from the ignition and still have the transmission in neutral. Updated 12/12/07 *tr

Nhtsa id#: 95v068000 recall issued 3/20/95 for manufacturing dates aug 1993 - sep 1994 was determined not to be applicable for my car, [xxx] but it should have applicable because the result of the defect is exactly what happened to my car. Additionally, nhtsa id#: 95vo68000 should have been applicable because nhtsa id#95v066000 issued 3/20/94 for manufacturing dated july 1994 - dec 1994 was applicable. A mistake was made. Nhtsa id#: 95v068000 should have included my car because my car rolled from its original parked position after moving the gear into the reverse position and removing the ignition key. My car is totaled. But it was not my fault. It was parked on a flat service in my garage. There is no other damage but i do not want this to be considered "my fault" and i want my deductible. The car was in great shape with new tires and clutch and i wanted to drive it for a few more years. Why wasn't my car included in the recall. An nhtsa research investigator is going to contact me within 48 hours. I just wanted to file this safety complaint if it will help the safety safety of others. For my car it is too late but fortunately no one was hurt. I spoke to latha at the hotline. Thank you [xxx]. *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Clutch became inoperable while consumer was driving. Also, there was a small compartment fire. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak

There is no interlock on manual transmission to prevent the car starting in gear. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak

Three times in the past year, the clutch cable on my car has broken. Thankfully, each time i was within four miles of my home. Without the ability to shift, i was required to attempt to drive home or to the service station with no stopping. Luckily, i was able to blow through stop signs and avoid traffic. I do not look forward to three months from now when the cable breaks again leaving me stranded in a less convenient location. *nm

I am the original owner of a 1997 saab 900s convertible - the clutch cable has broken 3 times in 3 years. Each time, i have been on the road only to have the cable snap and the clutch go all the way to the floor. On sept 8, 2004 - the cable broke for the 3rd time - my 5 year old and i were on the highway - narrowly escaping a major accident occuring. My import mechanic tells me that this is a known problem with the saab manufacturer who attributes it to a poor design. Each fix is costing - $300 for labor and parts as well as the use of a rental car for 1 week because of a long delay in getting parts from the manufacturer. I am purchasing another car for the safety of myself and my child. However, i would like to keep my saab (for sunny days) as well. Is saab addressing this issue? Apparently there is a plastic part at the end of the cable which snaps off because it can't take the constant pressure. This is very dangerous! What is the fix?*ak

Independent shop replaced transmission cable twice in one week. *ak

Will not shift into first, fifth, or reverse. Key cannot be removed since it will not shift into reverse. Saab has refused to pay for repair.*ak

Intermittently gearbox light will light, causing vehicle to lose 1st and second gear. This is a safety issue as vehicle may not get up to hightway speeds at ramps, almost causing a rear end collision. This is a know issue w/ saab. I contacted them regarding this problem. They stated there are no safety issues open on this vehicle. Over 25 posts for this same problem on saabnet.com. Dealer has tried to repair vehicle twice without success. I have spent over $800.00 trying to repair this safety problem . Please help. *ak

Consumer was driving 25 mph when another vehicle making a left turn hit the consumer on her left front side, causing the air bag to deploy, and consumer's shirt caught on fire. The consumer was able to put out the fire, but consumer sustained second degree burns. The fire department came out, and they felt the fire started from the air bag. *ak

Driving at a speed of 40mph, impact 12:00 position, hit a wall, the driver's side airbag did not deploy. *ak

Air bag did not deploy in a head-on 35mph crash. Both vehicles, traveling in opposite directions were both traveling at 35mph. Driver fractured sternum and the front end was forced back into the engine.

Car started and driven approx 50 yards and then came to traffic light and stopped. Driver noticed that the srs light on the display panel was illuminated at stop light. Passenger airbag deployed before car proceeded. Car driven to opposite side of street to park and assess situation. While car being driven across street, driver side airbag also deployed. No collision with and no tapping of another car occurred. Road conditions were dry and w/o debris. No rain was falling and no lighting or thunder was present. What appear to be first degrees burns were sustained on the lateral aspect of the right forearm and hand. No visible damage to eye or face.

Warm engine was restarted and car driven to intersection roughly 50 yards away. At stop light, srs light became illuminated and then passenger side airbag deployed while car still stopped. Car then turned to go to other side of street to park. While car being driven crossing street, approx 5 mph max, driver side airbag deployed. Road conditions were dry and clean, with no debris on road. Weather was good, with no rain, thunder or lightning present. Driver sustained superficial burns on lateral side of r forearm and hand. No apparent damage to face or eyes.

I was sitting in my car in a parking lot with the engine running. The car was in park when the passenger side air bag deployed. Gm will not fix the car and has offered a very low repurchase offer ($1100.00 less than kbb trade in value). *tr

Vehicle was parked and passed in off position and for no cause passenger's side air bag deployed. Consumer has yet to contact.*ak consumer states dealership completed the repair, they indicated that the computer did not show an air bag on the passenger side of the vehicle, dealer could not explain why air bag deployed, one person was injuried due to air bag deployment. *jb

Passenger's side air bag deployed while vehicle was parked in driveway without any impact. *ak

While parked, i was turning on the car from the passenger side and the passenger side airbag deployed and hit me. Very dangerous, my three year old daughter was behind me and was knocked down. In addition, i could have been driving and had a serious accident. Apparently this was a malfunction (dealer comments). Checked your database and found another incident around the same time a year before, same make,model,year. Isn't this a problem?*ak

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saab 900. The contact stated that while parking, the air bags deployed haphazardly. The air bag deployment caused the windshield to become cracked and the contact to suffer minor hearing lost. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic stated the vehicle was destroyed due to the air bag deployment. The failure mileage was 70,000.

The brakes were applied and they did not activate and the car did not stop and caused an accident. Please describe. Tt

While driving, experienced power brake failure, when pedal becomes spongy then goes too far down and continues to roll forward, brake action seems ineffective.

Abs brakes didn't respond properly with delay in reaction, vehicle plowed into truck. No air bag deployment, but extensive front damage. Tt

1997 saab 900 se turbo 2.0, car began to stall, and would only restart once brought to a complete stop and the keys removed. Stalling continued randomly at high or low speeds. Very dangerous when it stalled at high speeds - the power steering cut out, power and abs brakes - it was as if the key had been removed and all power cut to the car.*ak faulty ignition switch (electrical portion below keys) required replacement, stalling fixed. Car basically thought the keys were being removed (the electrical contacts on the ignition switch were bad and would cut on and off). ~$400 after parts and labor to replace switch, had to be done immediatelly due to high risk of a dangerous failure at high speeds.

A sudden acceleration was experienced, upon placing transmission into drive position, complete braking and steering was lost as a result. *ak

Timing belt on 1995 saab broke destroying the engine. *ts there was a coolant leak, the sun visor fell off, the battery went dead, the molding was peeling, the srs lights flashed, there was an air valve problem, center muffler rotted and leaked, the water pump leaked, the driver's side turn signal was inoperative, the parking lamp had gone out, there was no heat, no air and no freon in the system, the remote was inoperative, there was a slow leak in the system, the rear muffler bracket had broken, the cd player was inoperative, the exhaust hanger had broken, the water tray gasket leaked, there was a battery remote problem, there was a parasitic current draw, the glove box would not open and the engine completely destroyed. The exhaust system, engine belts, main drive belt, muffler, water pump, flex pipe, compressor, tires, front pads and rotors, valve, air valve, head light, spark plugs, engine filters, de ice switch, evaporator core, brake light, battery, and spark plugs were all replaced. *sc

The shift lock release problem is the latest in a long series of problems with this car. It will cost approximately $800 to repair this problem. We have not had the air conditioner repaired yet. The neutral safety switch replacement was $500. The master cylinder was replaced because the dealership had just passed our car for inspection the previous day. (they did not believe us when we told them that the brake failure light was lit.) these cars are called saab for a reason we sob a lot everytime we get a repair bill. Dt

While driving the vehicle dash lights are continuously illuminated. Took vehicle to dealer, and nothing was remedied. Main computer may be the reason for the malfunction. Also, brakes are failing and airbags do not work. *jg

No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak

While traveling down hill in low gear and applying brakes they started smoking. Vehicle lost brake power. Please provide further details. *ak

The brakes were applied and they did not activate and the car did not stop and caused an accident. Please describe. Tt

While driving, experienced power brake failure, when pedal becomes spongy then goes too far down and continues to roll forward, brake action seems ineffective.

Abs brakes didn't respond properly with delay in reaction, vehicle plowed into truck. No air bag deployment, but extensive front damage. Tt

1997 saab 900 se turbo 2.0, car began to stall, and would only restart once brought to a complete stop and the keys removed. Stalling continued randomly at high or low speeds. Very dangerous when it stalled at high speeds - the power steering cut out, power and abs brakes - it was as if the key had been removed and all power cut to the car.*ak faulty ignition switch (electrical portion below keys) required replacement, stalling fixed. Car basically thought the keys were being removed (the electrical contacts on the ignition switch were bad and would cut on and off). ~$400 after parts and labor to replace switch, had to be done immediatelly due to high risk of a dangerous failure at high speeds.

A sudden acceleration was experienced, upon placing transmission into drive position, complete braking and steering was lost as a result. *ak

Timing belt on 1995 saab broke destroying the engine. *ts there was a coolant leak, the sun visor fell off, the battery went dead, the molding was peeling, the srs lights flashed, there was an air valve problem, center muffler rotted and leaked, the water pump leaked, the driver's side turn signal was inoperative, the parking lamp had gone out, there was no heat, no air and no freon in the system, the remote was inoperative, there was a slow leak in the system, the rear muffler bracket had broken, the cd player was inoperative, the exhaust hanger had broken, the water tray gasket leaked, there was a battery remote problem, there was a parasitic current draw, the glove box would not open and the engine completely destroyed. The exhaust system, engine belts, main drive belt, muffler, water pump, flex pipe, compressor, tires, front pads and rotors, valve, air valve, head light, spark plugs, engine filters, de ice switch, evaporator core, brake light, battery, and spark plugs were all replaced. *sc

The shift lock release problem is the latest in a long series of problems with this car. It will cost approximately $800 to repair this problem. We have not had the air conditioner repaired yet. The neutral safety switch replacement was $500. The master cylinder was replaced because the dealership had just passed our car for inspection the previous day. (they did not believe us when we told them that the brake failure light was lit.) these cars are called saab for a reason we sob a lot everytime we get a repair bill. Dt

While driving the vehicle dash lights are continuously illuminated. Took vehicle to dealer, and nothing was remedied. Main computer may be the reason for the malfunction. Also, brakes are failing and airbags do not work. *jg

No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak

While traveling down hill in low gear and applying brakes they started smoking. Vehicle lost brake power. Please provide further details. *ak

On july 22, 2005 i was driving my '95 saab on the a1 motorway in united kingdom. I was using the cruise control at 70 mph (posted speed limit) i had never used the cruise control in this vehicle before. (manual transmission) the incident happened during rush hour heading toward london. As i had to slow down, i had absolutely no brakes! I never had any issue with the brakes prior. Depressing the brake pedal did not disengage the cruise control and i was heading toward the rear end of a car at 70 mph. I quickly swerved to the left lane, then off the road to avoid hitting vehicles and causing a multi-car pile up and potentially many deaths. I flew off the road, through a 5" steel sign post and rolled several times in a field. Amazingly, i was only bruised and battered, but of course the car is totaled. This is a potential serious defect! Even if the car is 10 years old, if there is some type of corrosion that happens to cause a failure of brakes to disengage the cruise control, many lives will be lost. Ironically, it was saab engineering that allowed me to walk out of the vehicle, while at the same time caused the accident. Police and witnesses were on scene who saw my brake lights come on, yet not slow down. As i said, the brakes were fine and i can only assume this had something to do with the cruise control. The car will be inspected by uk's vosa. Please advise. Thank you charles earhart. *jb

Sudden acceleration, causing accident/injury.

Vehicle suddenly accelerated and almost hit the car in front of it. While applying brakes, which driver just had fixed, car only slowed down but would not stop.

While the car is in the gear position on level ground the car will start to roll. ,as a result, the car rolled into another vehicle. The emergency brake was engaged as well. *ak

Cruise control jammed, causing vehicle to accelerate at full throttle, resulting in head-on collision with tree. *ak

The vehicle suddenly accelerated when the throttle became stuck. *ph while looking at the nhtsa website, the consumer saw that the problem he experienced was the subject of a recall (97v-046000). It appeared that the recall was not done on the consumer's vehicle prior to him purchasing it. The dealer indicated that it was the responsibility of the consumer to make sure the recall was done. *nm

Consumer is having problems with the engine. While driving, the engine accelerated, when the consumer stepped on the brake pedal it did not work. Dealer was contacted and has not seen the vehicle. Ph

Owner received recall notice, contacted manufacturer and was told they had to take the vehicle to south carolina to have the recall repair work done. Recall #97v046000. *ak

Upon shifting from reverse to drive gear, vehicle suddenly accelerated resulting in an accident.

A sudden acceleration was experienced, upon placing transmission into drive position, complete braking and steering was lost as a result. *ak

Bought car with undisclosed problems. Trying to resolve this with seller without success.

In 1990 vehicle caught on fire in passenager compartment, possible due to default in heating system. Tt

With only 40,000 miles, windshield is abnormally pitted and scratched. This causes increased glare from sunlight during daytime, or glare from oncoming headlights at night. *ak

Cracked windshield.

Left sideview mirror cannot be adjusted properly to enable driver to see blind spots to left rear of vehicle; nearly caused accident while pulling out of lane.

Rear glass window is attatched to canvas convertible top by silicon type glue only. Failure of this glue has allowed water to enter car and possibility of window falling out. Dealer informs me it is a common problem for 95-98 convertibles.

When driving the rear window exploded for no reason, causing glass fragments to enter the inside of the vehicle. Also damaging the convertible top. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak

Turned the vehicle on and the automatic defroster came on, drove a few blocks and then the rear window shattered. Please describe details. *ak

Mirrors fell off while driving. *ak

Windows leak when raining or when vehicle is washed. *skd