MYRModel Year Report

1988 Saab 900

○ Not enough data
1988 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:35:53.137Z

Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saab 900 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1988 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 complaints 2000
1988: 13 complaints
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 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

3 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING A FIRE, IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19961018

PARKING BRAKE

2 of 13 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing linkage and cable.

SEAT BELTS

2 of 13 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880920 — suspension

BOLTS USED IN THE ATTACHMENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL ARMS MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Remedy: REPLACE BOLTS WITH PROPER SPECIFICATION BOLTS.

Campaign 88V149000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19881021 — PE (closed 19890126)

BATTERY CABLE GROUNDING

R 19890118 — electrical system

WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).

Remedy: INSTALL RUBBER PROTECTIVE STRIPS TO SHARP EDGES AND COMPLETELY ENCASE WIRE HARNESS IN A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC TUBE.

Campaign 88V173000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19931208 — PE (closed 19940421)

SEAT BACK RECLINER FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for parking brake issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V149000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 88V173000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Saab 900?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 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.