1995 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1995 Saab 900 problems
Common issues reported by owners of the 1994-1995 Saab 900 S include power steering fluid leaks, engine misfires, clutch and transmission issues, and vacuum hose leaks. Power steering fluid leaks were prevalent and could lead to steering problems. Engine misfires, caused by factors like faulty spark plugs, could result in rough running or stalling. Clutch problems, such as slipping due to a stretched cable, and transmission issues like gear grinding were also common. Vacuum hose leaks affected engine functions, leading to rough idling or stalling. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues. Additionally, the 1995 Saab 900 S had a strong engine but could face problems like vague steering and convertible body shakes, as reported by owners.
1995 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
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1995 Saab 900
The NHTSA has received 132 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Saab 900. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1995 Saab 900 vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-29
- VIN: YS3DD75B5S7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900S CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN SHE NOTICED FUMES COMING FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD. MINUTES LATER, THE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-25
- VIN: YS3DD78B7S7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900S. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE SEAT BELT AND IMMEDIATELY, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,785 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,292. UPDATED 11/03/10 *BF UPDATED 11/04/10*JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-13
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 1995 SAAB 900 LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN. THE BOTTOM HALF OF A TURN BROKE OFF AT A SHALLOW ANGLE SOME TIME AGO. THE BROKEN OFF SECTION STAYED IN THE RING AROUND THE STRUT AND MADE A LOUD THIN METAL RATTLE. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING IMPORTANT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-22
- VIN: YS3DD55B6S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE WHILE THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN NEUTRAL. HE CAN ALSO ACCIDENTALLY DISENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V068000 (POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 10-30-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GEAR BOX WAS BAD. UPDATED 10/31/08. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-16
- VIN: YS3DD78B2S7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YS3DD55B1S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS NUMEROUS TIMES UNLESS THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED. WHILE IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO AN INTERSECTION AND STRUCK A STOP SIGN. SHE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES, HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V068000 (POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION), ALTHOUGH HER VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION, REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND STILL HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-08
- VIN: YS3DD55B8S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE REVERSE GEAR IS ENGAGED, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE GEAR REPAIRED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL # 95V068000 (POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND THEY COULD NOT HELP. THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 151,000. THE CONSUMER STATED RECEIVED A TICKET AND SUMMONS FOR PARKING ON THE SIDEWALK, THE CONSUMER STATED THE CAR BEHIND HIM TAPPED HIS CAR AND THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED ONTO THE SIDEWALK. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A COPY OF THE RECALL PERTAINING TO HIS DEFECT, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THE VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. UPDATED 07/18/07 *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-17
- VIN: YS3DF78V4S7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED CAUSING THE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED SAAB USA AT 1-800-955-9007 AND SPOKE WITH SUPERVISOR LEMONT. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT SAAB DOES NOT COVER COSTS INVOLVED IN REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN BUT ONLY FOR THE BELT AT VERY SPECIFIC MILEAGE POINTS AS TO THE HISTORY OF WIDESPREAD BREAKAGE AND SAFETY PROBLEMS AND SUBSEQUENT COSTLY DAMAGE TO ENGINES. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-29
- VIN: YS3DF58V7S2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WE WERE DRIVING ON I-680, HERE IN OMAHA, WHEN WE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. EVERYTHING WENT DARK FOR A SECOND AND THEN STARTED UP AGAIN. A FEW SECONDS LATER IT DID IT AGAIN, THIS TIME WE DID NOT REGAIN POWER AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE ODD THING IS THAT, ALTHOUGH WE HAD NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, NO LIGHTS AND SEEMINGLY NO POWER AT ALL, WE STILL LUCKILY HAD POWER STEERING SO WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OF THE INTERSTATE SAFELY. I SHUT THE IGNITION OFF AND RE-STARTED THE VEHICLE. WE WERE NOT FAR FROM HOME AND WE DID NOT HAVE FURTHER INSTANCES LIKE THIS UNTIL WE GOT THERE. WE WERE BOTH VERY SCARED BUT GLAD THAT THE POWER LOSS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,TIRES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-04
- VIN: YS3DF58V0S2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TIMING BELT ON 1995 SAAB BROKE DESTROYING THE ENGINE. *TS THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK, THE SUN VISOR FELL OFF, THE BATTERY WENT DEAD, THE MOLDING WAS PEELING, THE SRS LIGHTS FLASHED, THERE WAS AN AIR VALVE PROBLEM, CENTER MUFFLER ROTTED AND LEAKED, THE WATER PUMP LEAKED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE PARKING LAMP HAD GONE OUT, THERE WAS NO HEAT, NO AIR AND NO FREON IN THE SYSTEM, THE REMOTE WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS A SLOW LEAK IN THE SYSTEM, THE REAR MUFFLER BRACKET HAD BROKEN, THE CD PLAYER WAS INOPERATIVE, THE EXHAUST HANGER HAD BROKEN, THE WATER TRAY GASKET LEAKED, THERE WAS A BATTERY REMOTE PROBLEM, THERE WAS A PARASITIC CURRENT DRAW, THE GLOVE BOX WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, ENGINE BELTS, MAIN DRIVE BELT, MUFFLER, WATER PUMP, FLEX PIPE, COMPRESSOR, TIRES, FRONT PADS AND ROTORS, VALVE, AIR VALVE, HEAD LIGHT, SPARK PLUGS, ENGINE FILTERS, DE ICE SWITCH, EVAPORATOR CORE, BRAKE LIGHT, BATTERY, AND SPARK PLUGS WERE ALL REPLACED. *SC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YS3DD55B6S2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON JULY 22, 2005 I WAS DRIVING MY '95 SAAB ON THE A1 MOTORWAY IN UNITED KINGDOM. I WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT 70 MPH (POSTED SPEED LIMIT) I HAD NEVER USED THE CRUISE CONTROL IN THIS VEHICLE BEFORE. (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) THE INCIDENT HAPPENED DURING RUSH HOUR HEADING TOWARD LONDON. AS I HAD TO SLOW DOWN, I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES! I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES PRIOR. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND I WAS HEADING TOWARD THE REAR END OF A CAR AT 70 MPH. I QUICKLY SWERVED TO THE LEFT LANE, THEN OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING VEHICLES AND CAUSING A MULTI-CAR PILE UP AND POTENTIALLY MANY DEATHS. I FLEW OFF THE ROAD, THROUGH A 5" STEEL SIGN POST AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES IN A FIELD. AMAZINGLY, I WAS ONLY BRUISED AND BATTERED, BUT OF COURSE THE CAR IS TOTALED. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SERIOUS DEFECT! EVEN IF THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD, IF THERE IS SOME TYPE OF CORROSION THAT HAPPENS TO CAUSE A FAILURE OF BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, MANY LIVES WILL BE LOST. IRONICALLY, IT WAS SAAB ENGINEERING THAT ALLOWED ME TO WALK OUT OF THE VEHICLE, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. POLICE AND WITNESSES WERE ON SCENE WHO SAW MY BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON, YET NOT SLOW DOWN. AS I SAID, THE BRAKES WERE FINE AND I CAN ONLY ASSUME THIS HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR WILL BE INSPECTED BY UK'S VOSA. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU CHARLES EARHART. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YS3DD55B4S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NHTSA ID#: 95V068000 RECALL ISSUED 3/20/95 FOR MANUFACTURING DATES AUG 1993 - SEP 1994 WAS DETERMINED NOT TO BE APPLICABLE FOR MY CAR, [XXX] BUT IT SHOULD HAVE APPLICABLE BECAUSE THE RESULT OF THE DEFECT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. ADDITIONALLY, NHTSA ID#: 95VO68000 SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPLICABLE BECAUSE NHTSA ID#95V066000 ISSUED 3/20/94 FOR MANUFACTURING DATED JULY 1994 - DEC 1994 WAS APPLICABLE. A MISTAKE WAS MADE. NHTSA ID#: 95V068000 SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED MY CAR BECAUSE MY CAR ROLLED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PARKED POSITION AFTER MOVING THE GEAR INTO THE REVERSE POSITION AND REMOVING THE IGNITION KEY. MY CAR IS TOTALED. BUT IT WAS NOT MY FAULT. IT WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SERVICE IN MY GARAGE. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE BUT I DO NOT WANT THIS TO BE CONSIDERED "MY FAULT" AND I WANT MY DEDUCTIBLE. THE CAR WAS IN GREAT SHAPE WITH NEW TIRES AND CLUTCH AND I WANTED TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW MORE YEARS. WHY WASN'T MY CAR INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. AN NHTSA RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR IS GOING TO CONTACT ME WITHIN 48 HOURS. I JUST WANTED TO FILE THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT IF IT WILL HELP THE SAFETY SAFETY OF OTHERS. FOR MY CAR IT IS TOO LATE BUT FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. I SPOKE TO LATHA AT THE HOTLINE. THANK YOU [XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-02
- VIN: YS3DF75V4S7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THIS VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 95V066000 CONCERNING IGNITION MODULE FAILURE. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER STARTING UP. THE MOTOR WAS IDLING HIGH AND THE RPMS WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE. HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE OWNER DID STOP BY AND SAW IF HER CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AND IT WAS NOT. WANTED TO WAIT TO AND SEE IF NHTSA OR SABB EXPANDED THE RECALL BEFORE SHE HAD IT CHECKED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-09
- VIN: YS3DF55V2S2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TIMING BELT CAME OFF THE PULLEY WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR. MAJOR DAMAGE TO ENGINE. ENGINES NEEDS MAJOR OVERHAUL. NO SUPPORT FROM SAAB NA ON THIS ISSUE ALTHOUGH THE TIMING BELT WAS INSTALLED BY A SAAB RESELLER.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-19
- VIN: YS3DD55B2S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT:CONTACT STATES: WHEN HE SHIFING HIS CAR IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR, REMOVE THE KEY, AND STILL HAVE RANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL OR TO ACCIDENTALLY DISENGAGE REVERSE BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIMES , MAKING THE CAR ROLL. HE HAS CITED A RECALL # 95V068000 WHICH WAS THE EXACT SAME THING CAR WAS DOING. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY TOLD HIM THIS VEHICLE WASA NOT INVOLVED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. HE HAS SPOKEN TO H MECHANIC AND DESCRIBED WHAT THE CAR WAS DOING ,AND THE MECHANIC SAID H THAT THE REMEDY LISTED ON THE RECALL WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-25
- VIN: YS3DF35N4S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN MODEL 95 SAAB 900 CAMPAIGN NO.95V068000 SPOKE TO SAAB AT 800 955 900 (FILE#14566) ON 5/12 AFTER CAR WAS DIAGNOSED BY SPORTS AND SPECIALIST A SAAB DEALER IN PRINCETON NJ .THE WRITTEN INVOICE #13983 STATESAR WILL NEED NEW SHIFTER LINKAGE AND CLUTCH CUSTOMER DECLINED BOTH SAAB CORPORATE AND THE DEALER INSIST THERE IS NO RECALL CAMP. YET YOUR BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE EXACT PROBLEM THE CONSEQUENCES THE CORRECTIVE ACTION. I WOULD APPRECEIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE NHTSA QUICKLY SINCE I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR 2 MONTHS. THANK YOU M GOLDENBERG
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-02
- VIN: YS3DD75B6S7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE AND WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE PASSANGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I IMMEDIATLY PULLED OVER AND AS I WAS CHECKING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE NOISE WAS THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG BROKE MY WINDSHIELD AND IMMEDIATLY AFTER THEY DEPLOYED THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON. I WILL BE TAKING THE CAR TO HAVE IT INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED SAAB REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC IS GUESSING AT THIS POINT THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING THE SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT. HAD I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD OR A HIGHWAY THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING INCIDENT. FORTUNATLY FOR ME AND OTHERS TRAVELING THIS WAS NOT THE CASE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-01
- VIN: YS3DF55V4S2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RECALL 95V066000 CONCERNING ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. DUE TO THE VIN THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. HOWEVER, BASED ON THE SYMPTOMS IN THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT THIS VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT BECAUSE THE RECALL INFORMATION DID NOT APPEAR ON THE SAAB WEB PAGE THEY WILL NOT ASSIST THE CONSUMER. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS LOCKED PERMANENTLY. THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. DRIVER HAD TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE SUN ROOF. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED IT COULD BE REPAIRED FOR $2700.00 BY INSTALLING A NEW COMPUTER.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AT ABOUT 1000 A.M. ,MY DAUGHTER JENNIFER AGE 19 WAS DRIVING MY 1995 SAAB 900SE CONVERTIBLE ON THE NYS THRUWAY FROM ALBANY TO OUR HOME IN UTICA , NY WHEN SHE WAS APPROACHING THE HERKIMER T-WAY EXIT. SHE WAS GOING TO EXIT THE T-WAY THERE , SO SHE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. SHE TOLD ME THAT WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO SLOW DOWN AND BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED. SHE SAYS THAT WHEN SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN FROM 55 MPH TO 85 MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS . SHE SAYS SHE BECAME HYSTERICAL AND BEGAN TO PLACE ALL OF HER WEIGHT ON HER FOOT AND APPLIED THE BRAKES FULLY ,BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE SAYS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND WHEN THE BRAKES FINALLY SLOWED THE VEHICLE JUST ENOUGH WHERE SHE GAINED A LITTLE BIT OF CONTROL, SHE THREW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, STEERING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS YOU CAN SEE THIS COULD HAVE HAD CATASTROPHIC RESULTS IN ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE. THANK GOD THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED IN ANY WAY OTHER THAN HER INSTANT FEAR OF DRIVING A CAR AGAIN. THE VEHICLE NOW IS AT THE PLACE OF BUSINESS WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND INQUIRIES ARE BEING MADE AT THIS TIME TO SEE IF ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE WITH THIS SAAB PRODUCT. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME , BUT SUFFICE TO SAY THAT THE BRAKES WERE PRETTY MUCH BURNED UP. WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER THAT YOU COULD GIVE US. SINCERELY, ROSE MARY DOUGHERTY *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YS3DF75N5S7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BOUGHT CAR WITH UNDISCLOSED PROBLEMS. TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS WITH SELLER WITHOUT SUCCESS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-06
- VIN: YS3DF35N5S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I OWN A 1995 SAAB 900 SE WITH A MANNUAL TRANSMISSION. I WOULD GUESS AS A SAFTEY FEATURE, THIS VEHICLE REQUIRES THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE IN THE REVERSE POSITION TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS INSURES THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE WHEN NOT OCCUPIED IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN ENGAGED. ON MY VEHICLE THE SHIFT LEVER CAN BE IN THE REVERSE POSITION AND THE KEY REMOVED, BUT THE REVERSE GEAR IS NEVER ACTUALLY ENGAGED OR CAN BE EASILY MOVED OUT OF REVERSE. THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WAS WHEN I FOUND MY VEHICLE HAD ROLLED FORWARD AND WAS RESTING AGAINST THE BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THE SECOND TIME I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WAS WHEN I CLOSED THE HOOD, HEARD A CLICK SOUND AND FOUND MY VEHICLE ROLLING FORWARD TOWARDS ME. THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST 30 FEET AWAY AT THE BOTTOM OF SMALL SLOPE ABOUT 5 FEET FROM THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. IT HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIME SINCE THEN, BUT I AM UNSURE OF THE FREQUENCY BECAUSE I NOW ALMOST ALWAYS USE THE PARKING BRAKE.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-20
- VIN: YS3DDS880S2
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE VEHICLES PASSENGERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE TO LET THE SMOKE CLEAR. WHEN THE CONSUMER GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND DROVE ABOUT 40 YARDS THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELTS ALSO LOCKED . *AK *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-12
- VIN: YS3DF55V8S2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE FAN BELT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. THIS WAS THE THIRD FAILURE UNDER 50,000 MILES. *AK PH *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-30
- VIN: YS3DF78V1S7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1995 SAAB 900 SE STALLS UPON COLD START AND ALSO CUTS OFF (STALLS) WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE IS TOTALLY TUNED AND ALL THROTTLE, FUEL INJECTORS ARE CLEAN ETC. I CONTACTED DEALER AND SAAB WEB-SITE TO INQUIRE ABOUT RECALL 95V066000 BUT I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE.
1995 Saab 900 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1995 Saab 900.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) IS DESIGNED TO SENSE AND DISCRIMINATE FRONTAL IMPACT EVENTS, COMMAND AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENTS IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND PERFORM CONTINUOUS DIAGNOSTICS OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE BOTTOM OF AN ELECTROLYTE CAPACITOR, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR IT TO LEAK ELECTROLYTE WITHIN THE AIR BAG ECU. ALSO, IN HIGH HUMIDITY ENVIRONMENTS, THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONER CAN CAUSE RAPID COOLING OF THE ECU, WHICH IN TURN MAY CAUSE THE FORMATION OF CONDENSATION WITH THE UNIT.
- Consequence: IF THIS MOISTURE COMES INTO CONTACT WITH THE ELECTROLYTE FROM THE CAPACITOR, IT FORMS A HIGHLY CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL THAT COULD CREATE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. THIS ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD TRIGGER THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
- 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: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE COLUMN TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
- Consequence: IF MISALIGNED, AN ALUMINUM CONNECTING PIECE CAN FAIL DUE TO FATIGUE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN ALIGNMENT TO ENSURE THAT NO MISALIGNMENT EXISTS. IF A MISALIGNMENT IS FOUND, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY AS A UNIT.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
- Summary: UPON STARTUP, A VOLTAGE DROP TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MALFUNCTION WHERE ENGINE SPEED FLUCTUATES FROM 600 TO 3,000 RPM FOR UP TO 30 SECONDS BEFORE NORMAL ENGINE IDLE OF 900 RPM.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REVISED ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.
- 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.
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