1996 Saab 900

○ Not enough data

1996 Saab 900
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:34:26.598Z

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

1996: 48 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

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020909

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Passenger airbag deployed for no reason while driving car, no warning lights on dashboard, no impact, no precipitating event occured

NHTSA ODI report, 20240202

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

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 power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 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.

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 power train:manual transmission, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Saab 900 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.