1989 Saab 900
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
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 22 complaints
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 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.
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.
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.
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 →
-
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.
-
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.