1993 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1993 Saab 900 problems
The Saab 900, built from 1993 to 1998, is known for its well-built and stylish design, with a reputation for reliability. However, like any car, it is subject to certain problems and issues as the kilometers climb. Here are some of the most common problems with the Saab 900, based on complaints from owners:
- Rust Issues: While the Saab 900 was designed as a long-term car with exemplary paint quality and corrosion prevention, rust can still be an issue. After almost 30 years, corrosion foci may occur, particularly in the front wheel arches, sills, A- and B-pillars, wheel arches, and boot floor.
- Engine Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the engine, particularly with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. One owner reported that the turbo engine suffered from chronic torque steer when accelerating, while another reported that the turbo engine could only be described as brutal in the days before Subaru redefined the term with its WRX.
- Steering Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the steering, particularly in the convertible models. One owner reported that the steering was vague, while another reported that the convertible body shook.
- Brake Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the brakes, particularly with brake wear. One owner reported that brake wear was high, requiring regular replacement of pads and rotors.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, particularly with the battery holder, windscreen frame, and steering gear. One owner reported that the battery holder and wheel arches were weaknesses, while another reported that the steering gear leaked.
In general, the Saab 900 is known for its reliability and durability, but like any car, it is subject to certain problems and issues. When considering a Saab 900, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the car, particularly the sheet metal, maintenance history, and critical points such as the axle tunnel, door bottoms, wheel arches, boot floor, and hood. If these critical points are in order, and the maintenance history is good, the Saab 900 can be a unique and rewarding classic car to own.
1993 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:
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Saab 900 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Saab 900.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-08
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ORIGINAL FUEL TANK MADE OF PLASTIC LEAKED FROM THE BOTTOM DUE TO A HOLE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL TANK, WHICH ALSO STARTED TO LEAK SOMETIMES IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION. MANUFACTURER HAD NO ANSWER AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-13
- VIN: YS3AK35E8P2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: EARLY TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT - FIRST GEAR POPS OUT CONSTANTLY. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-03
- VIN: YS3AL35T9P2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE MADE THREE JUMPS AND ACCELERATED DOWN A HILL, WITH NO BRAKES AND CLUTCH WOULD NOT SHIFT DOWN. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PUT ON AND MADE VEHICLE STOP. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 40MPH, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, HIT A WALL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YS3AL75L6P7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YS3AL75L6P7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CRUISE CINTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKING. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3AL75L6P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3AK35E3P2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE DEPARTMENT, RESULTED IN FIRE TOTAL LOST. TT
Other years of Saab 900
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