1979 Saab 900 problems
The Saab 900 is a mid-sized automobile which was produced by Saab from 1978 until 1998 in two generations; the first from 1978 to 1993, and the second from 1994 to 1998.
The first-generation car was based on the Saab 99 chassis, though with a longer front end to meet U.S. frontal crash regulations and to make room for the turbo-charged engines, air conditioning and other equipment that was not available in the early days of the 99 model. The 900 was produced in 2- and 4-door sedan, and 3- and 5-door hatchback configurations and, from 1986, as a cabriolet (convertible) model. There were single- and twin-Zenith carburettor; fuel injected, and turbocharged engines, including both Full Pressure Turbo (FPT), and, in European models during the early 1990s, Low Pressure Turbos (LPT).
Saab 900 "Classic"
Overview
The Saab 900 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive mid-size car with a longitudinally mounted, 45-degree canted, inline four-cylinder engine, double wishbone front suspension and beam-axle rear suspension. It was originally introduced on 12 May 1978, for the 1979 model year. Sales commenced in the fall of 1978.
Like its predecessor the 99, the 900 contained a number of unusual design features that distinguish it from most other cars. First, the B-engine, that was installed "backwards", with power delivered from the crank at the front of the car. Second, the transmission, technically a transaxle, bolted directly to the bottom of the engine to form the oil pan (albeit with separate oil lubrication). Thus, power from the crank would be delivered out of the engine at the front, then transferred down and back to the transmission below, via a set of chain-driven primary gears. In similar fashion, Minis also had their gearbox mounted directly below the engine; however, the Mini gearbox and engine shared the same oil, whereas the Saab 900 (and 99) gearboxes contained a separate sump for engine oil.
The 900 body was developed from the older 99 model, keeping the basic layout but with a new longer front part. This allowed for more space in the engine room and better crash protection for passengers. The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time). Later a new rear end was designed for the 2- and 4-door sedans.
Refined over several decades of two-digit Saab models, the 900's double wishbone suspension design provided excellent handling and road feel. The rear suspension comprised a typical beam axle design, stabilized with a Panhard rod. However, the attachment points between the axle and chassis made up an unusual configuration that, in essence, consists of two Watt's linkages at either end of the axle: A lower control arm attaches the axle to the bottom of the vehicle, while an upper link attaches at the top but faces towards the rear, unlike a typical four-link design with both lower and upper links facing forward. The design-principle being similar with the rear suspension presented in Alfa Romeo Alfasud already in 1971, except in the Alfasud, the beam axle itself functioned as a sway-bar, hence separate sway-bars in the rear suspension was not needed.
Early models did not have sway bars; they began appearing on certain models in 1985, and, in U.S. and possibly other markets, became standard on all trim levels by the late 1980s. The sway bars decreased body roll, but at the expense of some ride comfort and when driven aggressively, increased inside wheel spin. The front and rear bars' diameters were unchanged throughout the model's run.
The 900 has a deeply curved windshield, providing the best driver visibility. The dashboard was curved to enable easy reach of all controls, and featured gauges lit up from the front. Saab engineers placed all controls and gauges in the dashboard according to their frequency of use and/or importance so that the driver need only divert their gaze from the road for the shortest possible time and by the smallest angle. This is why, for example, the oft-used radio is placed so high in the dashboard. In keeping with the paradigm of its predecessor, the 99 model, the 900 employed a door design unique in automotive manufacturing, with an undercutting sweep to meet the undercarriage, forming a tight, solid unit when the door was closed. This feature also eliminated the stoop in the cabin at the footing of the door, as seen in automobiles of other manufacturers, thereby preventing water and debris from collecting and possibly entering the cabin or initiating corrosion, as well as enabling passengers to enter and exit the cabin without need to step over several inches of ledge.
The 900 underwent minor cosmetic design changes for 1987, including restyled front end and bumpers that went from a vertical to a more sloped design. To save money, Saab kept the basic undercarriage more or less unchanged throughout the 900's production run.
The Saab 900 could be ordered with different options, including a high performance option called the Aero or, as it was known in the U.S. "Special Performance Group" (SPG). The Aero/SPG incorporated (depending on the market and model year) a body skirt; a sport-suspension (1987+) that included shorter, stiffer springs, stiffer shocks, and sway bars; leather seats; premium stereo; and air conditioning. Each of these features could also be ordered independently from Saab's Accessories Catalog for fitment to standard models.
Another desirable UK option at this time was the fitment of very distinctive Minilite alloy wheels. Initially these had the words 'Minilite' and 'Saab' cast in raised lettering; later Saabs had a similar wheel made by Ronal.
Power output varied by model year and market, but 900S and 900 Turbo models produced from 1985 and onward were fitted with a 16-valve engine, while the basic 900 kept the earlier 8-valve engine.
A 1989 Saab 900 SPG, owned by Peter Gilbert of Wisconsin, was driven over a million miles before being donated to The Wisconsin Automotive Museum. Peter Gilbert claimed a million miles out of the turbocharging unit in addition to the engine itself. Saab gave Mr Gilbert a Saab 9-5 Aero.
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Common 1979 Saab 900 problems
The Saab 900, produced between 1978 and 1998, is a popular car known for its distinctive design and performance capabilities. However, due to its age, potential buyers should be aware of some common problems that may require repairs.
One of the most notorious issues is with the gearbox, particularly in turbocharged models with automatic transmissions. The gearboxes are prone to wearing out, and buyers should check for any unusual sounds while changing gears or difficulties engaging certain gears.
Another issue to consider is the convertible top, if the car has one. Buyers should ensure that the top can be raised and lowered smoothly, as problems with the convertible top can be costly to repair.
Suspension, steering, and brakes are also areas where potential issues may arise. Saab 900s feature independent front suspension with pressed steel upper and lower A-arms, and a rigid axle located with upper and lower longitudinal links plus a transverse-mounted Panhard bar at the rear. When inspecting a 900, buyers should check for signs of general wear, fluid leaks, and the condition of the driveshaft boots and all bushes. Power steering leaks are also a common problem, and while most components are reasonably priced, the cost of labor should be factored in if the car is in need of work.
Rust can also be a problem, especially around the edges and in some structural areas. Weak gearboxes are another issue that can affect the 900, and while they are tough classic cars that can take 200,000 miles or more in their stride, they may require regular maintenance and repairs.
In summary, potential buyers of the Saab 900 should be aware of the common issues that may arise due to the car's age, including problems with the gearbox, convertible top, suspension, steering, brakes, and rust. Regular maintenance and repairs may be necessary to keep the car in good condition.
1979 Saab 900 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saab 900 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Saab 900 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Saab 900.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1982-08-12
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THIS IS IMPORTANT: THE RT PASS SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD MY WIFE IN A HEAD ON CRASH, AND SOMEBODY REMOVED THE CAR FROM SALVAGE YARD QUICKLY, INC CO AND YARD OWNER DID NOT KNOW WHO TOOK IT BEFORE INVESTIGATION COULD BE MADE ON BELT FAILURE..SUSPECT SAAB HAD IT PICKED UP IN 7 DAYS AFTER ACCIDENT...WONDER IF THIS IS A PATTERN WHERE THAY TRIED TO HIDE WRECK FROM INVESTIGATION?
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER FOUND FRACTURES IN REAR ARM OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, INDICATING FATIGUE WITH AGE.
1979 Saab 900 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1979 Saab 900.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: A PROBLEM RELATING TO THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE BRACKET ATTACHMENT COULD CAUSE LEAKING OF TRANSMISSION OIL. TRANSMISSION COULD LOCK UP DUE TO LACK OF PROPER OIL LUBRICATION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING EXHAUST PIPE BRACKET WITH ONE THAT ATTACHES TO THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER GASKET WILL ALSO BE REPLACED, USING SCREWS INSTEAD OF STUDS.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: THE INSULATION OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY POSSIBLY MELT OR BECOME BRITTLE DUE TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURES WHICH MAY BE GENERATED IN THE VICINITY OF THE CABLE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE "B+" CABLE (POSITIVE CABLE FROM STARTER), ADD PROTECTIVE SLEEVES OVER THE STARTER WIRING HARNESS, AND INSTALL A NEW HEAT GUARD FOR THE BATTERY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS AMBIENT HUMIDITY AND VEHICLE PRE-CONDITIONING BY REPEATED COLD START, AND SHORT TRIP DRIVING CYCLES IN COMBINATION WITH SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES, THERE EXISTS THE POSSIBILITY FOR ICE TO FORM IN THE THROTTLE HOUSING AND TEMPORARILY IMPEDE FULL CLOSURE OF THE THROTTLE PLATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THIS ICE BUILD-UP IN THE THROTTLE HOUSING MAY CAUSE HESITATION IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM TO FURTHER IMPROVE PREHEATING OF INCOMING AIR IN COLD WEATHER. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH
- Summary: THE HEADLAMP RELAY MAY FAIL IN SUCH A WAY AS TO CAUSE THE HEADLAMPS TO FAIL TO SWITCH FROM LOW TO HIGH BEAM (OR VICE VERSA) WHEN THE CONTROL SWITCH IS OPERATED. ALSO, THE HEADLAMPS MAY SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY OR COMPLETELY.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HEADLAMP RELAY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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