MYRModel Year Report

1996 Saab 900

○ Not enough data
1996 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:25:25.033Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saab 900 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 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 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
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%

29% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, 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, 20030429

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, 20001024

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970103

POWER TRAIN 25%

25% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE TIMING BELT FAILED. *JB (SAAB 900 SE)

NHTSA ODI report, 20030314

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 13%

13% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

Show complaint excerpts

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020909

EQUIPMENT 13%

13% of complaints: equipment — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc. and air conditioner.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19960515 — seat belts

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 BE

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.

Campaign 96V077000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19970505 — vehicle speed control

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.

Campaign 97V046000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19980615 — exterior lighting

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 DEVICES,

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.

Campaign 98V038000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19981009 — SQ (closed 19981027)

NEW WHEEL BOLTS

I 20000925 — DP (closed 20011119)

DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP PULLEY

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Saab 900 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V077000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 97V046000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98V038000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
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.