1994 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1994 Saab 900 problems
The Saab 900, a popular car model from the Swedish manufacturer, has been known to have several issues and problems throughout the years, particularly in the 1994 model. Here are some of the most common problems with the 1994 Saab 900 based on complaints from owners of this car:
- V6 Engine Problems: The V6 engine in the 1994 Saab 900 has been known to have several problems, including requiring a new belt of some type every 30,000 miles. This issue can cause the engine to overheat or fail, leading to expensive repairs.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: The 1994 Saab 900 has several dashboard warning lights that can indicate various issues with the car. These warning lights can include low tire pressure, headlights or daytime running lights on, lane-keeping assist, brake issues, traction control, and anti-lock brake issues.
- Reliability: The 1994 Saab 900 has been known for its reliability issues, with several common repairs performed on this model. These repairs can include engine issues, electrical problems, and suspension issues, among others.
- Recalls: The 1994 Saab 900 has had several recalls due to various issues, including fuel system problems, brake issues, and airbag issues. These recalls can affect the safety and reliability of the car, and it is essential to check if your specific car has open recalls before purchasing.
In conclusion, the 1994 Saab 900 has several common problems and issues that can affect its reliability, safety, and comfort. These issues include expansion valve failure, V6 engine problems, dashboard warning lights, reliability issues, and recalls. If you are considering purchasing a 1994 Saab 900, it is essential to research these issues and consider the cost of repairs and maintenance before making a decision.
1994 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Saab 900
The NHTSA has received 67 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Saab 900. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Saab 900 vehicles.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-09
- VIN: YS3AK76E9R7
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SAAB 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WAS CRACKED AND HAD A DAMAGED FRAME THAT WAS DETERIORATING. THE SEAT WAS NOT SECURED AND WOULD MOVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ALSO EXHIBITED THE FAILURE. THE SRS SENSOR AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESET THE CODES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V226000 (SEATS) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,601 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,100.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,SEATS,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-27
- VIN: YSSAK76E9R7
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,SEATS,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE EXPERIENCE LEAKING HEAD GASKET REPEATED PROBLEM. THE ENGINE OVERHEATING AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *BF THE BRAKES SQUEALED WHEN STOPPING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS HARD TO CLOSE, THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD RUN BAD, THE HEAT OPERATION WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, SEAT COVER LEFT LOWER CRACKED, FLUID LEAKED UNDER THE VEHICLE/OVERNIGHT COOLANT LEAK, OVER HEATING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY, LEAKING DISTRIBUTOR SEAL, BROKEN TURN SIGNAL, AT A CERTAIN POSITION THE SEAT WOULD NOT OPERATE FORWARD, THE ANTENNA WOULD NOT PROPERLY RETRACT, LEFT FOG LIGHT INOPERABLE, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FRONT AND REAR FOR PROPER RUBBER ALIGNMENT, LEAKING CRANK PULLEY SEAL, OIL LEAK FROM THE TRANSMISSION, FOUND A LACK OF FUEL PRESSURE, SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS WEARING ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE, THERE WAS A LOOSE HOSE CLAMP IN THE POWER STEERING HOSE, THE BATTERY FAILED, ONE TAIL LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE ALTERNATOR BELT WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE CHASSIS, THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE AFTER START UP, OIL LEAKED THROUGH THE VALVE COVER, AND THE TANK CLUTCH LEAKED FLUID. *SC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-30
- VIN: YS3DM58V9R2
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY AT 3:00 P.M. ON 4/30/04, I HEARD A POP AND I THOUGHT A BELT SNAPPED, MY CAR, A 1994 SAAB S, JERKED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GAIN CONTROL. I SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A TIRE ROLE FROM EAST TO WEST ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I THOUGHT I RAN OVER IT. FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD A PERSON ON ANOTHER CAR TOLD ME I DIDN'T HAVE A TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR IN THE REAR. WHEN I PULLED OFF THE EXPRESSAY I SAW THE TIRE WAS MISSING. THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE SIDES. THE SIDES OF THE TIRE WERE LEFT ON THE WHEEL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-17
- VIN: YS3DM58VXR2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IN JULY OF 2003, SAAB OF SANTA MONICA, CA REPLACED THE TIMING BELT ON MY USED 1994 SAAB 900 (65,000 MILE SERVICE). THE LABOR WAS COMPLIMENTARY AND COVERED UNDER A CHANGE IN SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OUTLINED BY SAAB USA IN A LETTER SENT OUT TO SAAB 900 OWNERS IN JULY 1995. THE LETTER AMENDED INFORMATION IN THE WARRANTIES AND SERVICE RECORD BOOKLET AND OWNER'S MANUAL AND STATED THAT RATHER THAN EVERY 95,000 MILES, SAAB WAS NOW RECOMMENDING THAT THE BELT FOR THE CAMSHAFT DRIVE MECHANISM BE REPLACED BEGINNING WITH THE 35,000 MILE MAJOR SERVICE AND AT INTERVALS OF 30,000 MILES THEREAFTER. AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, IN ADDITION TO REPLACING THE TIMING BELT, NON-ROUTINE LABOR WAS DONE ON THE TENSIONERS. THE WORK RECEIPT NOTES THAT OLD-STYLE TENSIONERS WERE NOTED AND REPLACE. LESS THAN 1000 MILES AFTER SAAB OF SANTA MONICA PERFORMED THEIR "COMPLIMENTARY WORK" MY CAR CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. ON OCT. 17, 2003, I LEFT WORK AT AND DROVE ABOUT 1/3 OF A MILE (35 MPH) BEFORE I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO PUTTER AND CLANK AS THE CAR LOST POWER. THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY IT WAS TOWED TO A WELL-RESPECTED INDEPENDENT SAAB MECHANIC, HUNG TAO (A.R.T. SAAB 18440 HART ST. RESEDA, CA (818) 881-7940 ). HUNG TAO LOOKED AT THE CAR AND STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD SLIPPED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST SAAB DEALER (SHERMAN OAKS, CA). SAAB OF SHERMAN OAKS FIRST SAID THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD SLIPPED, BUT THEN CHANGED THEY'RE STORY AND SAID THE CAMSHAFT HAD ALLEGEDLY SNAPPED, CAUSING $5000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THEY ARGUED THAT THERE WAS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN THE WORK THEY'D DONE ON THE CAMSHAFT DRIVE BELT AND THE FAILURE OF THE CAMSHAFT. THEY SAY BECAUSE THE CAR ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY THEY CAN'T HELP ME. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-14
- VIN: YS3DM58V6R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE.*MR THE GASKET SURROUNDING THE TIMING BELT COVER BECAME TANGLED WITH THE TIMING BELT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START.*TS *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO FOUND A BUNDLE OF WIRES HELD TOGETHER BY A PLASTIC BINDER WIRE CLIP. THE BUNDLE BECAME LOOSE AND A WIRE WAS EXPOSED TO AND RUBBING ON METAL. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TIMMING BELT TENSION ON HER VEHICLE. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS REPLACED IT ONCE AND IT WAS WARRANTIED FOR 3500 MILES AND IT HAS HAPPEND AGAIN THIS ALSO CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. TS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- VIN: VS3DM55B3R2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RECALL 95 V 068 000/TRANSMISSION MANUAL: VEHICLE OPERATED IN REVERSE INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YS3DM55V3R2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER SAYS THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WAS CAUSED BY THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-13
- VIN: YS3DM55V3R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD COOLANT BOTTLE AND COOLANT RECOVERY BOTTLE REPLACED. *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-13
- VIN: YS3DM55V3R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD COOLANT BOTTLE AND COOLANT RECOVERY BOTTLE REPLACED. *JG
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-13
- VIN: YS3DM55V3R2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD THE THROTTLE MOTOR REPLACED ON VEHICLE. *JG
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-13
- VIN: YS3DM55V3R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD LEFT FRONT WHEEL SENSOR REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-13
- VIN: YS3DM55V3R2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPLAINS THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE UPON INVESTIGATION WAS FOUND DEFECTIVE. *JG
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- VIN: YS3DM55V4R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ON WET PAVEMENT THERE IS NO REPONSE FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN THE BRAKES WILL ENGAGE. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED, CONSUMER FEELS HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-11
- VIN: YS3DM55B0R2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: POPS OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE AND AT 40 MPH. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3DM58B5R2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: A FIRE STARTED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH OF THE CAR, IN A RAPID SEQUENCE OF EVENTS THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THICK SMOKE ENGULFED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, AS THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ADDING TO THE FLAMES, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-23
- VIN: YS3CM65B0R1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING IN OUTSIDE LANE OF HIGHWAY -- TOTAL, SUDDEN FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM -- EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING AT ONCE (INCLUDING 4-WAY FLASHERS, WIPERS. LIGHTS ETC.) -- POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HAD CORRODED -- BUT THE SAME CABLE WAS REPLACED THE YEAR BEFORE DUE TO SIMILAR, SLIGHT INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH IT (ENGINE "CATCHING" TAPE PLAYER EJECTING, CD GOING ON "CODE" CLOCK ZEROING, ETC.). THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-25
- VIN: YS3DM58V8R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE SEIZED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. THERE WAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN WHICH THE OWNER WAS UNAWARE. THERE A NEWLY DESIGN FOR THE TIMING BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR JUMPS INTO NEUTRAL . VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 95V068000. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-03
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SERPENTINE BELT PULLEYS BROKE OFF TWICE, IN THE LAST FEW THOUSAND MILES, CAUSING DESTRUCTION OF BRAND NEW SERPENTINE BELTS, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, LOSS OF HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE, AND OVERHEATING. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT, IN WHICH ANOTHER PULLEY BROKE OFF THE SYSTEM COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH, GIVEN THAT THE INCIDENT OCCURED UP NORTH, AND THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS WELL BELOW FREEZING. LUCKILY, A DUNKIN DONUTS RESTAURANT WAS ON HAND WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE CAR'S FAILURE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- VIN: YS3DM58V6R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE TIMING BELT WENT OUT, AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-15
- VIN: YS3DM55V1R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. ALSO VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THESE MATTERS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-04
- VIN: YS3DM55B5R2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SAAB PROVIDED DEALERS/MECHANICS WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT NEGLECTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMERS WITH A SAFETY RECALL. WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A FREE, 30 MINUTE REPAIR RESULTED IN OVER $600, 2 DAYS OF REPAIRS, AND A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH MY ENGINE NEARLY BURNED OUT.
1994 Saab 900 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1994 Saab 900.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY AIMING THE HEADLIGHTING SYSTEM WERE OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT AIMING INSTRUCTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THE OWNER GUIDES. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN AFFIX THE INSERTS IN THEIR OWNER GUIDE FOR THEM.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
- Consequence: THIS BINDING CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE PLATE NOT RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS RELEASED AND A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
- Summary: IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION, REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, AND STILL HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, OR, TO ACCIDENTLY DISENGAGE REVERSE BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER.
- Consequence: IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE CAR CAN ROLL FROM ITS ORIGINAL PARKED POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE COMPONENTS AND COMPLETE A SPECIALLY DEVELOPED SERVICE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE THAT WILL ENSURE THAT WHEN THE SHIFT IS MOVED TO THE REVERSE POSITION, THE REVERSE GEAR IS ACTUALLY ENGAGED.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: ONE OR MORE OF THE ARC WELDS CAN BE MISSING ON THE SEAT BACK FRAME RECLINER.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A SEAT BACK FALLING BACKWARDS UNDER A LOAD.
- Remedy: BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS WILL BE INSPECTED WITH THE USE OF A HOOK TO PULL BACK THE SEAT BACK UPHOLSTERY. FOR ANY SEAT WITH MISSING WELDS, THE SEAT BACK FRAME/RECLINER WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
- Summary: THE TWO WELD POINTS IN THE REARWARD ATTACHMENT BRACKET FOR THE SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION BEAM IN THE REAR DOOR MAY BE OUT OF POSITION. IF THE WELDS ARE OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLES WILL NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 214, S5, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE REAR SEATS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUPPORT BRACKETS AT THE SUPPORT WELD LOCATIONS.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: TWO TRIGGER SPRINGS MOUNTED TO THE FORE/AFT ADJUSTMENT LEVER DO NOT DEVELOP SUFFICIENT FORCE TO PROPERLY LOCK THE SEAT RAILS. AFTER THE SEAT IS ADJUSTED, THIS DOES NOT ALLOW THE SEAT RAIL LOCK TO PROPERLY ENGAGE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO MOVE IN A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION.
- Consequence: THIS CAN INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE BOTH FRONT SEATS AND THE TWO SPRINGS ON EACH SEAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW SPRINGS WITH PROPER TENSION TO ENSURE PROPER ENGAGEMENT.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: A WELD IN THE SEAT RAILS WAS NOT MADE, INCREASING THE RISK OF FATIGUE CRACKS FORMING AROUND THE ATTACHMENT BUSHINGS ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, CAUSING THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HEIGHT ADJUSTER BREAKING IN A REAR END COLLISION AND ALLOWING THE SEAT TO FOLD BACKWARDS.
- Consequence: THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT FRAME RAILS.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
- Summary: THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND/OR PADS SHIELDS DO NOT PROTECT THE ASSEMBLIES FROM BEING COATED WITH A LAYER OF SLUSH, ROAD SALT OR WATER WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN. THIS CAN RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKING ACTION THAT INCREASES NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE.
- Consequence: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE SHIELDS WITH A NEW DESIGN. AN ADDITIONAL HOLE WILL BE DRILLED IN THE STEERING KING PIN HOUSING TO ATTACH A LARGER COVER PLATE. A SMALLER PROTECTION PLATE WILL ALSO BE ATTACHED TO THE EXISTING TWO BOLTS IN THE HUB.
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