MYRModel Year Report

1988 Saab 900

○ Not enough data
1988 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:13.548Z

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
13

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1988: 13 complaints 1988 13 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 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 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1988: 13 complaints 1988 13 1989: 22 complaints 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 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 13 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

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-18

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

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-09-20Suspension88V149000 Bolts used in the attachments of the front suspension system control arms may be defective.

    Remedy: Replace bolts with proper specification bolts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-10-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-26 Battery cable grounding
  3. R
    1989-01-18Electrical system88V173000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1993-12-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-04-21 Seat back recliner failure

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Parking brake: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V149000 · Suspension
  • Recall 88V173000 · Electrical system
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.