1986 Saab 900
Only 9 complaints 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 9 complaints 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
MY 1986 , 8 VALVE, 2.0 LITER SAAB 900 STALLS OUT IN HOT WEATHER AND WILL NOT RESTART UNLESS AT LEAST 15 MINUTES HAVE PASSED. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER,DISTRIBUTOR CAP, IGNITION COIL, SPARK PLUGS, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030901
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE BOLT IN THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TORQUED AND MAY BREAK.
Remedy: REPLACE AND PROPERLY TORQUE BOLT.
Campaign 86V057000 — check if this car was fixed
THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL MAY RUPTURE DUE TO STRESS.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL HOSE WITH NEW PREFORMED PLASTIC HOSE.
Campaign 87V013000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V057000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V013000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 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 1986 Saab 900?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 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.