1990 Saab 900 problems

General information about Saab-900
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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.

Social links

https://www.saab.com/

Common 1990 Saab 900 problems

The Saab 900, produced between 1978 and 1993, is known for its robust technology and durability with proper maintenance. However, there are several common problems that owners have reported, primarily related to the car's sheet metal and some specific components.

Rust issues: Despite the Saab 900's reputation for good paint quality and corrosion prevention, rust can still be a problem after almost 30 years.

Battery holder and wheel arches: These components are prone to corrosion, which can lead to electrical issues and other problems.

Windscreen frame: The windscreen frame can also be a problem area, potentially leading to leaks and other issues.

Door bottom edges and clogged drain holes: These areas can accumulate dirt and moisture, leading to corrosion and other problems if not regularly cleaned and maintained.

Manual (storage, Sync.): Some owners have reported issues with the manual, particularly in terms of storage and synchronization.

Steering Gear (leaks): Leaks in the steering gear can lead to a loss of steering fluid and other problems if not addressed promptly.

Mengenteiler der LH-Jetronic: This component, part of the fuel injection system, can be prone to failure and may require replacement.

Turbocharger and intercooler: These components, particularly in turbo models, can be prone to wear and failure, especially if the car is driven hard or not maintained properly.

Braking system, caliper piston: The braking system, including the caliper piston, can be prone to wear and failure, particularly if the car is driven hard or not maintained properly.

Fahrwerksbuchsen: These suspension components can wear out over time, leading to a less smooth ride and potential handling issues.

In addition to these issues, some owners have reported problems with the car's transmission, particularly in early models.

1990 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:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Electrical system problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Saab 900 complaints

The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Saab 900.

2003-02-06

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-01-04
Crash: 1
VIN: YS3AL76L0L7
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: ATT: NHTSA I HAVE A 90 TURBO CONV AND WHILE DRIVING MY LOWER A-ARM BROKE WHERE THE WELD IS. I HAVE HEARD THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH 900'S THAT HAVE OVER 100,000 MILES ON THEM BUT HAVE FOUND NO RECALLS. I WAS DOING 65 MPH AT THE TIME IT BROKE BUT IF THIS HAD BEEN SOMEONE ELSE OR IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER YOU COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITH MINOR DAMAGE. THIS FAILURE DID NOT HAPPEN IN REVERSE AS MOST PEOPLE CLAIM.........IT HAPPENED WHILE MOVING FORWARD AT 65 MPH.........THIS IS MY CONCERN. IF THE ARM FATIGUES AT THE WELD STRESS POINT AND BREAKS WHILE BACKING UP JUST IMAGINE HOW BAD THE CRACK MUST BE BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. SINCE THE LOAD CAN'T BE AS GREAT ON THE ARM AS IT IS WHEN AT SPEED AND TURNING THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM THAT I WILL INVESTIGATE FURTHER. I WILL POST PIC'S AS SOON AS I GET IT BACK FROM THE SHOP. I SENT THIS E-MAIL TO SAAB CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND I'M WAITING FOR A RESPONSE WHICH I WILL FORWARD. I ALSO POSTED THIS ON SEVERAL SAAB WEBSITES. PLEASE IF ANYONE KNOWS OF SAFETY RECALLS FOR THIS LET ME KNOW, ALSO IF ANYONE KNOWS WHO TO CONTACT TO REPORT THIS I WOULD APPRECIATE A CONTACT SINCE THIS COULD LEAD TO SOMEONE GETTING HURT OR EVEN KILLED. ATT: SAAB USA I POSTED THIS ON SAABNET.COM AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE E-MAIL ME. I'M ALSO GOING TO FORWARD THIS TO THE NHTSA SINCE I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE FIXED WITH A RECALL. I HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION TO INFORM OTHERS OF THIS AND WILL INVESTIGATE THIS MORE TO SEE IF ANYONE HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED FROM THIS PROBLEM. THANKS FRANK 510-413-1663 [email protected]

1990 Saab 900 problems

Table of contents

Saab 900 "Classic"

Overview

Social links

Common 1990 Saab 900 problems

1990 Saab 900 car problems categorized by type of issue

1990 Saab 900 complaints

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

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