MYRModel Year Report

1981 Saab 900

○ Not enough data
1981 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:23.610Z

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1981

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 21 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 44 complaints 1995: 100 complaints 1996: 48 complaints 1996 1997: 21 complaints 1998: 24 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 21 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 44 complaints 1995: 100 complaints 1995 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 21 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1986 1987: 4 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 21 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 44 complaints 1994 1995: 100 complaints 1995 1996: 48 complaints 1996 1997: 21 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1981: 1 complaint

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19832
19842
19855
19869
19874
198813
198922
199019
199113
199221
19936
199444
1995100
199648
199721
199824
19992
20001

Known problem areas

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1982-01-06Seat belts81V147000 There may be an insufficient permanent lubrication in the buckle/release mechanism of the type 2 seat belt assemblies. This may cause front seat occupants to have difficulty in fully fastening seat…

    Remedy: A special wax lubricant will be sprayed into the buckle receptacle slot to remedy defect and prevent reoccurance. This will be done without charge to owner.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1984-06-11Fuel system, gasoline84V019000 Poor electrical connection at the fuel gauge transmitter may result in a stoppage of the fuel pump and engine stalling. In extreme cases, fuel vapor may leak from the fuel tank.

    Remedy: The fuel gauge transmitter will be inspected and replaced, if damaged.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 81V147000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 84V019000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Saab 900 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Saab 900?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Saab 900 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.