MYRModel Year Report

1988 Saab 9000

○ Not enough data
1988 Saab 9000
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:14:51.045Z

Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
12

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 12 1989: 14 complaints 1990: 7 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1992: 19 complaints 1992 1993: 29 complaints 1994: 14 complaints 1994 1995: 8 complaints 1996: 10 complaints 1996 1997: 6 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 12 1989: 14 complaints 1989 1990: 7 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 19 complaints 1992 1993: 29 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1994 1995: 8 complaints 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1996 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 12 1989: 14 complaints 1989 1990: 7 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 19 complaints 1992 1993: 29 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1994 1995: 8 complaints 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1996 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998

1988: 12 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19863
19875
198812
198914
19907
19918
199219
199329
199414
19958
199610
19976
19981

Known problem areas

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

4 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Drivers seat started to burn. Resulting in occupants clothes catching on fire. Also engine compartment fire. Explain in more detail. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-11

Also filed under Seats

Service brakes

3 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Fuel system, gasoline

3 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle quickly engulf in flames, the vehicle was parked EA95-0920A. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-17

Seats

2 of 12 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

FIRE

Visibility

1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-05-20Vehicle speed control88V057000 The ball chain between the cruise control vacuum regulator and the accelerator pedal arm may catch on the vacuum regulator attachment clip.

    Remedy: A plastic cap will be installed over the vacuum regulator clip to cover the openings.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-07-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-08-25 Wire harness chafing
  3. R
    1990-03-05Service brakes, hydraulic89V191000 The routing of the throttle kickdown cable could allow chafing to occur between the cable and any one of three steel brake fluid lines near the valve block of the hydraulic brake unit.

    Remedy: Change cable routing and install new attachment bracket to prevent chafing.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1990-03-05Electrical system90V001000 Abrasion on the printed circuit card in the combination neutral safety/backup lamp switch operated by the automatic transmission gear selector may cause residue to collect in electrical area on the…

    Remedy: Add an electrical circuit, including a relay, to the backup lamp circuit to reduce the current that can flow through the combination switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1995-02-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-06-30 Passenger compartment fires
  6. I
    1995-06-30Engineering analysisClosed 1996-07-31 Passenger compartment fire

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Saab 9000 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V057000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 89V191000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 90V001000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Saab 9000 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 1988 Saab 9000?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Saab 9000 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.