1996 Saab 900
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1996 Saab 900. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Saab 900. Newest first.
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, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.
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.
Corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This binding can result in the throttle plate not returning to the closed position when the throttle pedal IS released and a subsequent loss of throttle control.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.
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 belt assemblies" and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: the belt may not latch properly increasing the risk of injury to an occupant should a vehicle crash occur.
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.
Owner complaints
48 complaints3 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Passenger airbag deployed for no reason while driving car, no warning lights on dashboard, no impact, no precipitating event occured
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Driving smoothly at 50 mph in 1996 saab 900 SE turbo, 99K miles. Engine rpm suddenly but smoothly drops to zero and stopped in a very unsafe place on the highway. Car would not re-start. Absolutely no faults of any kind occurred during the months leading up to this incident. This car's direct ignition cassette was replaced once already in jan. 2000 by the previous owner. *jb
- Equipment · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
In june 2003, a crack was discovered in the fuel tank of my 1996 saab 900S. the tank was replaced. on 28 july 2004, the replacement tank was discovered to have a leak and was replaced. on 1 september 2005, the second replacement tank was diagnosed as leaking.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Prior to di failure, starting impairment and misfires detected with cel. upon failure, car would not run and steering was lost. to correct failure, new di was fitted after it was broken. symptoms should have been reason enough to change it early. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving ball bearrings exploded in the lower engine. Consumer heard a loud boom. The vehicle was full of clean oil. Consumer contacted the maufacturer and the dealer. vehicle IS currently at dealer. *ak
- Air bags › Side/window
When the rear passenger door was opened front passenger side air bag deployed, and smoke entered the passenger's cabin. *ak
- Electrical system
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. My wife was driving the car in heavy traffic and just escaped the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames. The…
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. My wife was driving the car in heavy traffic and just escaped the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames. The police had to call me to get the license plate number and vin, as they had melted. The car had 72,000 miles and had been checked twice in the past year. Just months before it had been completely inspected. The car was in show room condition. *jb
- Unknown or other
Odometer fraud. The advertised mileage was 55,000 but the carfax reported the mileage at 150,000 miles over a year ago. I reported it to the dealer, took back my deposit and gave back the car. They informed me they already had another buyer for the car and are still advertising it with 55,000 miles. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The timing belt failed. *Jb (saab 900 SE)
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
While driving heard a raddling noise, had it checked out. Main front left spring had fractured. spring replacement, 44 83-178.contacted dealer.*ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Will not shift into first, fifth, or reverse. key cannot be removed since it will not shift into reverse. saab has refused to pay for repair.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Plastic fuel tank IS leaking, dealer and the manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
S model, consumer smelled fuel, dealer determined the plastic fuel tank was leaking. Part was replaced, new fuel tank has leaked twice.*jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Intermittently gearbox light will light, causing vehicle to lose 1ST and second gear. this IS a safety issue as vehicle may not get up to hightway speeds at ramps, almost causing a rear end collision. this IS a know issue w/ saab. I contacted them regarding this problem. they stated there are…
Intermittently gearbox light will light, causing vehicle to lose 1ST and second gear. this IS a safety issue as vehicle may not get up to hightway speeds at ramps, almost causing a rear end collision. this IS a know issue w/ saab. I contacted them regarding this problem. they stated there are no safety issues open on this vehicle. over 25 posts for this same problem on saabnet.com. dealer has tried to repair vehicle twice without success. I have spent over $800.00 trying to repair this safety problem . please help. *ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Manual transmission
This car has been nothing but a nightmare. It has required three tows from june 2001 to february 2002. The most expensive failure occurred the day after I had taken the car to a local dealer for a routine oil change (international motors, falls church, va), and the transmission and clutch failed…
This car has been nothing but a nightmare. It has required three tows from june 2001 to february 2002. The most expensive failure occurred the day after I had taken the car to a local dealer for a routine oil change (international motors, falls church, va), and the transmission and clutch failed because there was a transmission fluid leak that was not caught by their mechanics. I have contacted saab corporate by letter in december 2001 about my multiple problems with this car. Their response by telephone was that there was nothing that they could do. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While traveling 60mph transmission became locked in gear. Was not able to shift into another gear. Had remained in 4TH gear until able to shift. Took vehicle to service station, and mechanic could not locate any problems. Taking vehicle to dealership.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Timing chain has to be replaced after 75,000 miles. vehicle was making a loud warning noise. saab dealer found problem after doing a routine service check. Although the problem has been found, dealer has never done repairs. *Ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle) · Power train › Manual transmission
Saab cars USA refuses to pay for a manufacturer defect. I have had the clutch plate examined by specialists and they all think this IS an obvious manufacturer defect. most experts have never seen a clutch plate split in half like this. the debris from the clutch disintegrating blew into the…
Saab cars USA refuses to pay for a manufacturer defect. I have had the clutch plate examined by specialists and they all think this IS an obvious manufacturer defect. most experts have never seen a clutch plate split in half like this. the debris from the clutch disintegrating blew into the transmission housing causing a hole. the extended warranty company refuses to pay for the transmission because it was caused by the clutch exploding. I sent photos to saab and three separate letters requesting they fix this problem to no avail. I have all the documentation to support these facts.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Power train
Vehicle experienced clutch problem and a transmission failure, consumer wants reimbursement. (attorney for client) *slc
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Power train › Automatic transmission
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. saab has been contacted.*ak vehicle traveling, check the engine light appeared and stayed on the cause…
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. saab has been contacted.*ak vehicle traveling, check the engine light appeared and stayed on the cause was determined to be a sensor. the vehicle slips while in gear and before going into gear due to loss of fluid by lthe leaking transmission. *yh
- Air bags
Safety alert comes on and needs dealer service if battery disconnected. Cannot tell if airbag works - requires dealer service to correct each time. *Ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Reoccuring gear shifting problems causing shifter bushings and motor mount housing to be worn.
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
While driving about 55 mph, the electric seat on the driver's side started moving to the rear. This happened five times before driver arrived at home, and was causing the driver's feet to be pulled away from the pedals. *ML
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Defective water pump pulley
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- New wheel bolts
saab issued a tsb informing dealers about a new wheel mounting bolt.If the issue is loosening of the lug nut, this could lead to bolt fatigue and the potential for a wheel separation.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 619558Subject regarding replacement of srs wiring harness.
- 618667Concerns with clunking / snapping noise heard while turning steering wheel.
- 610141Information on replacing connecting tab on electrically heated rear window.
- 608359Some vehicles may exhibit irritating road and wind noise penetrating into the cabin through the cover at the top of the b-pillar.
- 608358Concerns with cracks in soft top cover foil strip.
- 608082Notification to stop performing procedure outlined in si-831-1823 to address a complaint of rear doors dufficult to open from outside on models up to w2019950.
- 608075Addressing concerns with various types of noises heard from the a/c system.
- 607550Customer may complain of battery, discharging through light switch in luggage compartment.
- 607546Information on deleting daytime running lights at customer' request.
- 607545Information on addressing customer complaint of low oil level.
- 607534Some customers may complain that the seal around the front direction indicators / light cluster can come loose.
- 604283On some vehicles, the soft top (tonneau) cover latches may not open fully or fast enough when the soft top cover IS being opened.
- 604140Technical service broadcast on diagnosing codes p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304.
- 604130Technical service broadcast on correct installation of fan speed controller.
- 604049Service information describing fault diagnosis of remote control function for anit-theft alarm.
- 603361Concerns with loose seal around front direction indictors.
- 603360Concerns with nuts on rear window and windshield wiper arms come loose.
- 603060Srs (airbag) diagnostic trouble codes missing from workshop information.
- 602974Information on deleting daytime running lights at customer' request.
- 602949Procedures for repair and updating of isat.
- 602948Improved bush and gear linkage.
- 602797Remanufactured aisin aw transmission, no reverse and / or erratic shifts.
- 602371Addressing engine noise complaints.
- 602370Addressing customer complaints of noisy a/c.
- 602369Complaints regarding noisy or hard to operate telescopic steering action.
- 602305Subject regarding front seat backrest difficult to tip forward.
- 602299Concerns when antenna fails to go up / down completely on vehicles within v2037949 and v7010251.
- 600952Diagnosing customer complaints that may be caused by the anti-frost switch on vehicles with vin t2037750 and t7010027.
- 600950Experiencing noise from front assembly, fault diagnosis hints.
- 600949Vehicles with vin w7007622 may experience noise when operating the soft-top, alternatively cracks in the rear window.
- 600947A customer complaint concerning battery, discharging through light switch in luggage compartment.
- 600945Some customers may experience a check engine light coming on during normal driving.
- 52448Adjustment of bearing tension.
- 52447Loosening rear window rubber molding.
- 52291Pedal raising kit.
- 52290Diagnosing dtc's in on-board diagnostics systems (obd II).
- 52049Temperature sending units for replacement cylinder heads for vehicles with 4 cylinder engine.
- 52044New essential special tool: terminal repair kit.
- 52043Addressing complaint of water leaks from area around door mirror.
Every Saab 900 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.