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1988 Saab 9000Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 1988 Saab 9000, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints122 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 22, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Saab 9000 has problems

12 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
Electrical system41
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Fuel system, gasoline31
Seats21
Vehicle speed control10
Visibility10
Engine and engine cooling10
Equipment10
Interior lighting10

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

3 recalls

1988 Saab 9000 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

Ignition: switch

Recall 90V-001 · Nov 2, 1990 · 24,379 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITHSMOKE AND POSSIBLY A FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 89V-191 · Nov 6, 1989 · 14,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE; THUS, THE BRAKECIRCUIT SUPPLIED BY THAT LINE WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE AND RESULT IN DECREASEDBRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND AN…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 88V-057 · Apr 5, 1988 · 7,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE CHAIN GETS CAUGHT THE THROTTLE COULD BE PREVENTEDFROM RETURNING TO FULLY CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.

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 9000 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 9000 median. How we score

'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Saab 9000, and the recalls they led to.

  1. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIREEA95020 · closed Jul 31, 1996
    No recall
  2. WIRE HARNESS CHAFINGPE88081 · closed Aug 25, 1988
    No recall
  3. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRESPE95009 · closed Jun 30, 1995
    No recall
In owners' words

What 9000 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DRIVERS SEAT STARTED TO BURN. RESULTING IN OCCUPANTS CLOTHES CATCHING ON FIRE. ALSO ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. EXPLAIN IN MORE DETAIL. TT
Complaint 971833 · Sep 11, 1995
UPON RETURNING TO PARKED CAR OWNER SMELLED SMOKE AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. POINT OF ORIGIN CONSOLE AREA BEHIND HEATING CONTROL/DASHBOARD ELEMENT. TT
Complaint 960756 · Feb 28, 1995

Own a 1988 9000?

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