1989 Saab 900

○ Not enough data
1989 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:50.277Z

Only 22 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 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
22

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
0

None on file

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 1989: 22 complaints 1989 22 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 1987 1988: 13 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 22 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 1989: 22 complaints 1989 22 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

1989: 22 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 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

5 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts.

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Thermostat failed, causing vehicle fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-22

Suspension

4 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower arm and control arm.

Electrical system

4 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Alternator, carburetor, electrical system, draining of power ; no one has been able to pinpoint the problem, the auto has sat now for two years because I was tired of pouring money into it only to have it unable to repaired properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-05

Visibility

3 of 22 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and sun/moon roof assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

In 1990 vehicle caught on fire in passenager compartment, possible due to default in heating system. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-25

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
    1988-11-30Fuel system, gasoline88V185000 Fuel filter may not meet the specification concerning leakage criteria due to low temperature during the gluing process.

    Remedy: Replace fuel filter.

  2. R
    1989-07-28Visibility89V104000 Under certain conditions, a reverse current might flow through a wire cable between the air recirculation switch and a microswitch.

    Remedy: Disconnect electrical wire cable and secure by tape around cable harness.

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V185000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 89V104000 · Visibility

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Saab 900?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.