1984 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1984 Saab 900 problems
The Saab 900, produced from 1978 to 1993, is a classic car that offers distinctive looks and impressive performance. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some issues that Saab 900 owners have reported:
- Gearbox problems: The Saab 900's gearbox has been known to cause issues, particularly in the early models. These problems can range from gear selector issues to weak gearboxes, which can affect the car's overall performance and reliability.
- Suspension, steering, and brakes: The Saab 900 features 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 in the rear. While these components are generally reliable, signs of wear, fluid leaks, and other issues can arise, especially in higher-mileage cars. It is essential to check the condition of the driveshaft boots, bushes, and power steering system for any potential problems.
- Rust and structural issues: The Saab 900 can suffer from rust around the edges, particularly in some critical structural areas. This can affect the car's overall strength and safety, and it is essential to inspect the vehicle for any signs of rust or corrosion.
- Fuel system issues: The Saab 900's fuel system, including the fuel pump and injectors, can cause problems, particularly in older models. These issues can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency, and it is essential to check the fuel system for any potential problems.
- Electrical issues: The Saab 900's electrical system, including the wiring and sensors, can cause issues, particularly in older models. These problems can affect the car's overall performance and reliability, and it is essential to check the electrical system for any potential problems.
In general, the Saab 900 is a reliable and durable car, but like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, and it is essential to address any problems as soon as they arise to ensure the car's overall safety and reliability.
1984 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Saab 900 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Saab 900.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-11
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS SAAB WAS PURCHASED WITH EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AFTER CORRECTING MOST GROUNDING POINTS IT BURNED OUT THE WARM UP REGULATOR. WITH THAT OUT OF THE CIRCUT, THE FUELPUMP BEGAN TO VAPOR LOCK. RELEASING THE BANJO FITTING AT THE DISTRIBUTOR PRODUCED A SUCKING SOUND., BACK AT THE FUEL PUMP IN THE FUEL TANK THE PUMP WAS RUNNING BUT NOT PUMPING. SO DISCONNECTED THE HOT WIRE, I PUT A WRENCH ON THE FUEL FITTING AND LOOSENED THE FITTING, SOME FUEL SPRAYED OUT AND THE WRENCH HIT THE BODYWORK CAUSING A BIG SPARK. THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE WAS SO MUCH FUEL AROUND THE SPARK HAD NO OXY TO IGNITE THE ANSWER WAS THE SAAB PEOPLE IN THEIR WISDOM PUT A RED ID SLEEVE ON THE GROUND WIRE AND EVERYONE WHO WORKED ON IT HAS WIRED THE FUEL PUMP UP BACKWARD AND THE ONLY REASON THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE WAS SO MANY GROUNDS WERE BAD IN THE REST OF THE CIRCUT THE PUMP WOULD BACK FEED AND RUN CORRECTLY. AS THE SAAB HAS A MAIN GROUND CIRCUT, NEAR THE BATTERY FOR THE REST OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUTS, IT WOULD BE PRONE TO THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IF WORKED ON BY SOME ONE WITH OUT AN ANGLE ON HIS SHOULDER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1985-04-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3AT45S9E1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD CAUGHT FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (85V-036). *SKD
1984 Saab 900 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1984 Saab 900.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Summary: THE ELECTRICAL CABLE BETWEEN THE STARTER AND THE ALTERNATOR CAN RUB AGAINST THE BRAKE FLUID PIPE ATTACHED TO THE LEFT INNER WHEELHOUSE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: RUBBING WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE THE CABLE INSULATION AND RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
- Remedy: THE CABLE CONNECTION AT THE ALTERNATOR WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE CABLE REPOSITIONED TO ELIMINATE RUBBING.
Other years of Saab 900
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