1996 Saab 9000

○ Not enough data
1996 Saab 9000
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:59:43.121Z

Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 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 10 1997: 6 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 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 10 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 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 10 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998

1996: 10 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

6 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and turbo/supercharger.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1996 Saab 9000 Aero rear-ended an izuzu rodeo. Damage to the rodeo was almost unnoticeable. Saab engine however erupted into flames and was a total loss. A factory certified technician less than 30 days prior to fire had serviced Saab.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-19

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

3 of 10 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

The dealer replaced the transmission four times in the past two years. *ak the vehicle had to be driven manually and stayed in 4TH gear. The mechanic found an internal transmission problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-18

Service brakes

3 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Seats

2 of 10 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

Seat belts

2 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

Show complaint excerpts

I reported this to you three weeks ago...still don't see it in the complaints summary.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-25

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1998-04-22SQClosed 1998-05-08 Audio system fires

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Saab 9000 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 1996 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 1996 Saab 9000?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Saab 9000 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.