1988 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1988 Saab 900 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Saab 900 1988 model based on complaints from owners:
- Power Steering Rack Failure:
- Some owners have experienced stiff power steering, especially when starting the car, which improves as they drive. This stiffness indicates a failing power steering rack, necessitating a replacement to address the issue.
- Head Gasket Torque Issue:
- Complaints have been made about the water reservoir tank being under excessive pressure, leading to visible marks on the tank. This problem is attributed to incorrect torque on the head gasket stretch bolts, requiring re-torquing to rectify the issue.
- Heater Controls Failure:
- Issues with the heater controls include switches snapping, dials coming off, and tight switches that may break. These problems often stem from faulty cables or components within the heater controls, necessitating replacements for the affected parts.
- Power Steering Intermittently Failing:
- Some owners have reported intermittent issues with the power steering, where it may not work at times. This problem seems to occur randomly, with the power steering working 90% of the time but failing without a clear pattern.
- Dash Lights and Airflow Problems:
- Complaints include non-functional dash lights, air only blowing from the defrost vents, and limited blower speed options. Additionally, the idle can be moody when cold, indicating potential electrical or airflow issues that may require troubleshooting and repairs.
- Rusty Front Fenders and Oil Leaks:
- Rusty front fenders, typical oil leaks, and exhaust modifications are also common problems reported by owners. Addressing rust issues, oil leaks, and exhaust modifications may require repairs and maintenance to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance.
These common problems with the Saab 900 1988 model highlight various issues that owners have encountered, ranging from suspension and steering issues to electrical and cosmetic concerns. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs can help maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity.
1988 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:
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
- Parking brake problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Saab 900 complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Saab 900.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-05
- VIN: YS3AS46D9J3
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHEEL TO FALL OFF AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO SHOCK, WHEEL BEARING AND C.V. JOINT. *AK
POWER TRAIN,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-04
- VIN: YS3AS45D6J3
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT ANCHORING BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO SEAT BASE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ATTACHMENT BOLT. ODOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE ON MOST PRE-1990 MODELS AS STATED BY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN SAAB REPAIRS. MECHANIC STATES THAT THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE GEARING MECHANISM WITHIN THE ODOMETER.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: YS3AL35L3J3
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. SOMETIMES THEY DON'T ENGAGE, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T RELEASE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS DON'T RETRACT. DEALER HAS A FIX. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YS3AK35D7J3
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE STICK/FREEZE WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS FREEZING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HEAT SHIELD THAT PROTECTED THE WIRES ROT OUT, REPLACE HEAT SHIELD.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YSA3AT7513J
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING A FIRE, IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: YS3AL35L8J3
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: IN THE WINTER TIME THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FREEZES UP . TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-12-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER KEEPS BREAKING; REPLACED SIX TIMES WITHIN 6 YEARS; DOES NOT GIVE ACCURATE READINGS; UNSAFE DRIVING. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-02
- VIN: YS3AL35L5J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING, ALSO VEHICLE WON'T START. *SKD
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-13
- VIN: YS3AT76LXJ7
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: LOCATION OF DEFROSTER VENTS PREVENT WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING ENTIRELY. *SKD
1988 Saab 900 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Saab 900.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT; THE RESULTING HEATBUILDUP COULD CAUSE SMOKE OR A FIRE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL RUBBER PROTECTIVE STRIPS TO SHARP EDGES AND COMPLETELY ENCASE WIRE HARNESS IN A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC TUBE.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: BOLTS USED IN THE ATTACHMENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL ARMS MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Consequence: IF MORE THAN ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS SHOULD FAIL, LOWERFRONT CONTROL ARM COULD COME LOOSE LEADING TO LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF AFRONT WHEEL.
- Remedy: REPLACE BOLTS WITH PROPER SPECIFICATION BOLTS.
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