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1997 Saab 900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 1997 Saab 900, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints212 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage125kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 4, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Saab 900 has problems

21 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
Electrical system20
Wheels20
Seat belts21
Seats20
Structure20
Vehicle speed control20
Air bags21
Visibility10
8 other systems80

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

3 recalls

1997 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

Other: labels

Recall 98V-139 · Jun 23, 1998 · 39,313 vehicles

Risk. THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–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 →

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

1997 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
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Saab 900 safety ratings

1997 Saab 900 4-DR in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Saab 900, and the recalls they led to.

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

What 900 owners report

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

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…
Complaint 10135938 · Sep 9, 2005 · 130,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10091174 · Sep 17, 2004 · 124,719 miles

Own a 1997 900?

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