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1988 Saab 900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1988 Saab 900, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints133 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 5, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Saab 900 has problems

13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train30
Parking brake20
Seat belts20
Engine and engine cooling21
Electrical system20
Vehicle speed control11
Visibility10
Seats10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1988 Saab 900 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Wiring: interior/under dash

Recall 88V-173 · Nov 1, 1988 · 70,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT; THE RESULTING HEATBUILDUP COULD CAUSE SMOKE OR A FIRE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 88V-149 · Sep 7, 1988 · 3,000 vehicles

Risk. IF MORE THAN ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS SHOULD FAIL, LOWERFRONT CONTROL ARM COULD COME LOOSE LEADING TO LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF AFRONT WHEEL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saab.

Best & worst years

1988 vs. every other 900 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 900 median. How we score

'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Saab 900, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BATTERY CABLE GROUNDINGPE89008 · closed Jan 26, 1989
    No recall
  2. SEAT BACK RECLINER FAILUREPE93102 · closed Apr 21, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What 900 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DRIVER'S SEAT ANCHORING BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO SEAT BASE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ATTACHMENT BOLT. ODOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE ON MOST PRE-1990 MODELS AS STATED BY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN SAAB REPAIRS. MECHANIC STATES THAT THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE GEARING MECHANISM…
Complaint 735839 · Nov 6, 2000
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
Complaint 509766 · Oct 15, 1996

Own a 1988 900?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.