MYRModel Year Report

1996 Saab 900

○ Not enough data
1996 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:38.084Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
48
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

29% of complaints

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 1987 1988: 13 complaints 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 48 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 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 21 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 44 complaints 1995: 100 complaints 1996: 48 complaints 1996 48 1997: 21 complaints 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 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 48 1997: 21 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1996: 48 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

29% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

On April 27, 2003, my Saab 900 se had an electrical failure while driving within a minute had completely destroyed the car. The "Check battery" Light came on along with the hazard light.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-29

After a 30 minutes of driving vehicle was parked in a parking lot. Smoke was noticed coming from underneath the hood area before a fire started. Fire department was on site to put out fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-24

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Vehicle idling in parked position, occupants smelled funny odor, smell got wqrse, subsequently fire started coming from underhood, vehicle available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-03

Power train

25% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

21% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The timing belt failed. *jb (Saab 900 se)

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-14

Fuel system, gasoline

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

Show complaint excerpts

No summary listed for above vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09

Equipment

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc. and air conditioner.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1996-05-15Seat belts96V077000 During static testing of belt anchorage points, the outboard attachment plate being used in the testing deformed and detached from the seat anchorage. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 209, "Seat…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the safety belt assemblies for the date of manufacture. Any assembly with date year 96 week 10 day 2 will be replaced.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1997-05-05Vehicle speed control97V046000 Corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1998-06-15Exterior lighting98V038000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, reflective…

    Remedy: Owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. If an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1998-10-09SQClosed 1998-10-27 New wheel bolts
  5. I
    2000-09-25Defect petitionClosed 2001-11-19 Defective water pump pulley

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V077000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 97V046000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V038000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 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 1996 Saab 900?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Saab 900 have?
3 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.