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1994 Saab 900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 44 owner complaints about the 1994 Saab 900, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 8 safety recalls.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the 900 median · #2 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls8Free fix at dealersOwner complaints445 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage81kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 2, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1994 Saab 900 has problems

44 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
Engine and engine cooling140
Power train100
Electrical system93
Vehicle speed control70
Service brakes, hydraulic61
Visibility40
Suspension40
Air bags32
Steering20
11 other systems141

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

8 recalls

1994 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

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 98V-038 · Feb 24, 1998 · 92,505 vehicles

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 97V-046 · Mar 21, 1997 · 52,500 vehicles

Risk. THIS BINDING CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE PLATE NOT RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS RELEASED AND A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THROTTLE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 95V-068 · Mar 29, 1995 · 8,993 vehicles

Risk. IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE CAR CAN ROLL FROM ITS ORIGINAL PARKED POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 4 more recalls
–no report yet

Body: door

Recall 94V-174 · Sep 14, 1994 · 9,814 vehicles

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE REAR SEATS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE COLLISION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Seats

Recall 94V-127 · Jul 8, 1994 · 1,015 vehicles

Risk. THIS CAN INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

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

1994 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
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1994 Saab 900, and the recalls they led to.

  1. DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP PULLEYDP00008 · closed Nov 19, 2001
    No recall
  2. AUDIO SYSTEM FIRESSQ98006 · closed May 8, 1998
    No recall
  3. NEW WHEEL BOLTSSQ98018 · closed Oct 27, 1998
    No recall
In owners' words

What 900 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE EXPERIENCE LEAKING HEAD GASKET REPEATED PROBLEM. THE ENGINE OVERHEATING AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *BF THE BRAKES SQUEALED WHEN STOPPING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS HARD TO CLOSE, THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD RUN BAD, THE HEAT OPERATION WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, SEAT COVER…
Complaint 10101475 · Nov 15, 2004
IN JULY OF 2003, SAAB OF SANTA MONICA, CA REPLACED THE TIMING BELT ON MY USED 1994 SAAB 900 (65,000 MILE SERVICE). THE LABOR WAS COMPLIMENTARY AND COVERED UNDER A CHANGE IN SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OUTLINED BY SAAB USA IN A LETTER SENT OUT TO SAAB 900 OWNERS IN JULY 1995. THE LETTER AMENDED…
Complaint 10047020 · Nov 16, 2003 · 72,000 miles
VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE.*MR THE GASKET SURROUNDING THE TIMING BELT COVER BECAME TANGLED WITH THE TIMING BELT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START.*TS *JB
Complaint 10044446 · Oct 21, 2003 · 90,837 miles

Own a 1994 900?

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