1988 Saab 9000
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 14 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1993 | 29 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE QUICKLY ENGULF IN FLAMES, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED EA95-0920A. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960117
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 88V057000 — check if this car was fixed
WIRE HARNESS CHAFING
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.
Campaign 89V191000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CI
Remedy: ADD AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT, INCLUDING A RELAY, TO THE BACKUP LAMP CIRCUIT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT THAT CAN FLOW THROUGH THE COMBINATION SWITCH.
Campaign 90V001000 — check if this car was fixed
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Saab 9000 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V057000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V191000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V001000 (electrical system) has been completed.
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 service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Saab 9000 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.