1991 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1991 Saab 900 problems

The Saab 900, produced in 1991, is known for its unique features and reliable performance, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1991 Saab 900:

Power Steering Rack Failure: Stiff power steering, particularly when starting the car, can be a sign of a failing power steering rack. This issue tends to improve as you drive, but a replacement power steering rack is necessary to resolve the problem.

Head Gasket Torque: If the water reservoir tank connected to the radiator seems to be under a lot of pressure, it could be due to the wrong torque on the head gasket stretch bolts. Re-torqueing the head gasket stretch bolts can solve this problem.

Heater Controls Failure: Issues with the heater controls, such as snapped switches or dials that have lost directional control, are common in the Saab 900. These problems are typically caused by faulty cables or switches that need to be replaced.

Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover Gasket: This is the most commonly reported problem in the Saab 900, with 21 reported cases. The valve cover gasket is responsible for sealing the valve cover to the engine block, and over time, it can wear out and leak oil.

Brake Bleed: The brake system in the Saab 900 may require bleeding to remove air from the brake lines, which can affect braking performance. This is a routine maintenance task that should be performed periodically.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement: The oxygen sensor in the Saab 900 monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and sends signals to the engine control unit to adjust the air-fuel mixture. Over time, the oxygen sensor can wear out and need replacement.

Headlamp Switch Replacement: The headlamp switch in the Saab 900 controls the headlights and other lighting functions. If the switch fails, it may need to be replaced to restore proper functionality.

ABS Hydraulic Pump Replacement: The ABS hydraulic pump in the Saab 900 is responsible for providing hydraulic pressure to the ABS system. If the pump fails, it may need to be replaced to restore proper ABS functionality.

In conclusion, while the Saab 900 is known for its unique features and reliable performance, it is not without its share of common problems. These issues range from front suspension problems to heater control failures and oil leaks from the valve cover gasket. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the Saab 900.

1991 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
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Saab 900 complaints

The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Saab 900.

2003-07-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-07-20
VIN: YS3AK35E4M5
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
Summary: 91 SAAB 900S REPLACED FUEL TANK TWICE.ALL THREE TANKS LEAKED GASOLINE.*AK

1991 Saab 900 problems

Table of contents

Saab 900 "Classic"

Overview

Social links

Common 1991 Saab 900 problems

1991 Saab 900 car problems categorized by type of issue

1991 Saab 900 complaints

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Leave your review of 1991 Saab 900

Other years of Saab 900

Are you having problems with your 1991 Saab 900?