1981 Saab 900
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 13 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 44 |
| 1995 | 100 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 21 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE DUE TO OIL LEAK.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA ODI report, 19961231
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 BE
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.
Campaign 81V147000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 84V019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V147000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 84V019000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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:engine:gasoline, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.