1998 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 The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to the 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time).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 1998 Saab 900 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources about the Saab 900 1998 model, here is a list of common problems reported by owners:
- Convertible Roof Hesitation:
- Problem: The convertible roof of the Saab 900 may hesitate when going up or down due to a motor issue where the motor bracket twists and binds, leading to motor failure.
- Solution: To fix this problem, owners need to replace the motor and install a cross member over the motor arm to prevent twisting in the future, ensuring the new motor's longevity.
- Leaking Heater Control Valves:
- Problem: Damp or wet carpets in the front left footwell are often caused by leaking heater control valves in the Saab 900.
- Solution: The solution involves replacing the heater control valves to address the issue. Additionally, owners should dry out the carpets to prevent dampness.
- LED Display Failure:
- Problem: The LED display in the Saab 900 is known to fail, leading to display fragmentation.
- Solution: To resolve this issue, the entire display unit needs replacement to ensure proper functioning of the display.
- Suspension Issues:
- Problem: Owners may notice that the suspension feels too springy, which can be attributed to faulty suspension bushes or shock absorbers.
- Solution: To address this, owners should check for side movement in the rubber mounting at the top of the front wing to determine if the bushes have failed. If so, replacing the bushes is necessary. Additionally, leaking shock absorbers should be replaced to rectify the problem.
These common problems with the Saab 900 1998 model, as reported by owners, highlight key issues that may arise with this vehicle. Addressing these problems promptly can help maintain the car's performance and ensure a smoother driving experience.
1998 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Saab 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Saab 900 complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Saab 900.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DD58BXW2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WARM ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND CAR DRIVEN TO INTERSECTION ROUGHLY 50 YARDS AWAY. AT STOP LIGHT, SRS LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED AND THEN PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE CAR STILL STOPPED. CAR THEN TURNED TO GO TO OTHER SIDE OF STREET TO PARK. WHILE CAR BEING DRIVEN CROSSING STREET, APPROX 5 MPH MAX, DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND CLEAN, WITH NO DEBRIS ON ROAD. WEATHER WAS GOOD, WITH NO RAIN, THUNDER OR LIGHTNING PRESENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED SUPERFICIAL BURNS ON LATERAL SIDE OF R FOREARM AND HAND. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO FACE OR EYES.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DD58BXW2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CAR STARTED AND DRIVEN APPROX 50 YARDS AND THEN CAME TO TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STOPPED. DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY PANEL WAS ILLUMINATED AT STOP LIGHT. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED BEFORE CAR PROCEEDED. CAR DRIVEN TO OPPOSITE SIDE OF STREET TO PARK AND ASSESS SITUATION. WHILE CAR BEING DRIVEN ACROSS STREET, DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG ALSO DEPLOYED. NO COLLISION WITH AND NO TAPPING OF ANOTHER CAR OCCURRED. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND W/O DEBRIS. NO RAIN WAS FALLING AND NO LIGHTING OR THUNDER WAS PRESENT. WHAT APPEAR TO BE FIRST DEGREES BURNS WERE SUSTAINED ON THE LATERAL ASPECT OF THE RIGHT FOREARM AND HAND. NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO EYE OR FACE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-30
- VIN: YS3DF78N5W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I OWN A AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS DRIVING A CUSTOMER VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT 20-25 MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG EXPLODED. IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE, I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A MINUTE I DECIDED I SHOULD PULL THE CAR A LITTLE MORE OFF THE ROAD , AS I WAS DOING THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-11
- VIN: YS3DF78N6W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A STREET, GOING STRAIGHT, AT ABOUT 20 MPH, WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HITTING ME. I PULLED OVER. THE CAR HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT. THE RESULT IS THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED, THE INTERIOR OVERHEAD LIGHT DISLODGED AND I WAS DISORIENTED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DF78N7W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. GM WILL NOT FIX THE CAR AND HAS OFFERED A VERY LOW REPURCHASE OFFER ($1100.00 LESS THAN KBB TRADE IN VALUE). *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-03
- VIN: YS3DF75N1W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOLLOWED BY DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER BAG. THE DRIVER SIDE BAG DEPLOYED APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS AFTER THE PASSENGER BAG DEPLOYED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-26
- VIN: YS3DF78N0W7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SAAB 900 SE TURBO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING, SPITTING, AND STUTTERING AS IF IT NEEDED GAS. THE VEHICLE THEN SHUT OFF AND RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE AND HAS REMAINED PARKED EVER SINCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 1998 SAAB 900 SE TURBO CONVERTIBLE HAS 62,000 MILES ON IT, AND YET I'VE JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE WHICH COMPLETELY FAILED -- THANKFULLY I WAS STILL IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT CONKED OUT, THIS IS RIDICULOUSLY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR ACCORDING TO MY SAAB SPECIALIST MECHANIC. I SAW THAT THE 2000 AND 2002 MODEL DI CASSETTES WERE RECALLED BUT NOT THE EARLIER MODELS. WONDERING IF THERE'S A WAY FOR REDRESS. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-24
- VIN: YS3DF78N8W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CHRONIC, ABRUPT STALLING PROBLEMS FOR 3+ YEARS. DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TO REPAIR ON AT LEAST, 15+ OCCASIONS. DEALERSHIP HAD IT AT THEIR FACILITY FOR OVER 3 MONTHS ONE PERIOD, CONDUCTING DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. PARTS CHANGED: SENSORS; MULTIPLE TIMES, WIRING HARNESS, "MAIN COMPUTER CHIP" AND VARIOUS OTHER PARTS. THE CAR ABRUPTLY STALLS. IT WILL STALL AT ANYTIME - WHETHER DRIVING, COASTING, AT A STOP, OR ON THE EXPRESSWAY. IT WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE ROADSIDE MULTIPLE TIMES OVER AND OVER WITHOUT CAUSING A COLLISION. I JUST GOT THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN LAST WEEK AFTER THEY "POSSIBLY FIXED IT AGAIN" . I DROVE A DISTANCE OF 15 MILES BEFORE THE CAR STARTED STAMMERING, JERKING AND STALLING AGAIN. IT TOOK ME OVER AN HOUR TO DRIVE THE RETURN FEW BACK HOME, WHICH WAS A HARROWING EXPERIENCE. THE VEHICLE IS KEPT GARAGED BY ME, IN MINT BODY CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT AND ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. SAAB HAS OFFERED TO APPLY 4,000 CREDIT TOWARD A PURCHASE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THEM. IT IS CLEAR SAAB KNOWS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE OR WOULD NOT HAVE MADE OFFER. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE IS WORTH MUCH MORE THAN WHAT THEY HAD OFFERED; ASIDE FROM BEING MECHANICALLY DEFECTIVE/UNREPAIRABLE, THEY CAN'T TRACE THE PROBLEM IN THEIR VEHICLE THAT THEY MADE. I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET IN ANOTHER CAR PYMT AND AM IN REAL FEAR THAT WILL BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN THIS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT FOR EXACT THIS SAME MECHANICAL PROBLEM (THAT STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED NOR EVEN INVESTIGATED BY THE ODI OR NHTSA). I SEE POSTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH SAAB VEHICLES. SOMEONE NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS TO HAVE THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. UNFORTUNATELY, I'M SURE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS NO OTHER OPTION THAN TO DRIVE A VEHICLE LIKE THIS. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-22
- VIN: YS3DD58B6W2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V222000, REGARDING AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS RECALL.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-22
- VIN: YS3DD78B5W7
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOTH THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CONTROL MODULE SHORTED CAUSING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE CONTROL MODULE, AIR BAGS, AND SEATBELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-25
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1998 SAAB 900SE CONVERTIBLE - HAS HAD A CHRONIC PROBLEM 1YR+ OF VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLING WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. USUALLY COULD BE RESTARTED AFTER A MINUTE, BUT NOW IS DIFFICULT TO RE-START ONCE IT STALLS. THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AND IS DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO CONTROL WHEN STALLS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES 10+ RETURNS; VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED AND/OR REPLACED. SENSORS, MAIN COMPUTER CHIP, REWIRING, ETC.. THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND IS GETTING MUCH WORSE. THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE IS ONLY 59,000 MILES THIS CAR AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THE DEALERSHIP IS AT A LOSS AS WHAT TO DO NEXT. I HAVE A CAR THAT CAN NOT BE FIXED AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. *NM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-02
- VIN: YS3DD35N1W2
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A 1998 900 SAAB SINCE IT WAS NEW. IT HAD ABOUT 155,500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT DESCRIBED BELOW. RECENTLY, I WAS GOING TO REMOVE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPRIGHTS TO REPLACE THE SHOCK ABSORBER INSERTS. AFTER REMOVING THE WHEEL ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE "STEERING PIVOT ARM" (A HOLLOW CLAM-SHELL STAMPING WELDED TO THE UPRIGHT) WAS SO SEVERELY RUSTED OUT THAT I COULD ACTUALLY SLIP MY HAND INSIDE THE ARM. (APPROXIMATELY, 1/2 OF ITS TOTAL SURFACE AREA WAS GONE AND FATIGUE CRACKS WERE DEVELOPING IN THE REMAINING PORTION.) THE STEERING RACK TIE ROD END ATTACHES TO THIS ARM. TO MY KNOWLEDGE ALL SAAB 900S FROM 1994-2000 WERE DESIGNED WITH THIS TYPE OF STEERING LINKAGE THAT USES A RACK MOUNTED HIGH ON THE FRONT-OF-DASH, CONNECTED TO THE WHEEL VIA THIS PIVOT ARM WELDED TO THE UPRIGHT. HAD THIS PIVOT ARM BROKEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF MECHANICAL WORK TO MY VEHICLES OVER THE YEARS, BUT THIS SHOCKED ME SO MUCH THAT I DIDN'T EVEN TRUST DRIVING THE CAR THE 45 MINUTES TO THE DEALER. I ORDERED REPLACEMENT PARTS FROM A REPUTABLE (SAAB ONLY) SAVAGE DEALER IN NEW YORK STATE ($470) AND REPLACED BOTH LH & RH SUSPENSION UPRIGHTS MYSELF. I HAVE RETURNED THE CAR TO SERVICE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE (REPORT #1-75588105) BUT THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SEVERITY OF THE INCIDENT OR HOW CRITICAL THE INTEGRITY OF THIS PIVOT ARM IS TO CONTROLLING THE CAR. THEY PASSED THIS OFF SAYING THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. DOES STEERING CONTROL GO OUT OF WARRANTY? I HAVE SAVED THE RUSTED COMPONENTS AND HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE THAT WERE TAKEN WHILE THE PART WAS STILL MOUNTED IN THE CAR. MY FEAR IS THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY OTHERS IN THE COUNTRY WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-14
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR THE RIGHT SIDE MARKER HAS FALLEN OUT TWICE IN 13 MONTHS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
- VIN: YS3DD78B6W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: KEEP HEARING THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM, COULD BE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE WHEN TOP IS STUCK OPEN. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A 4 YR OLD CAR DEALER WANTS $ 1,700. FOR NEW MOTOR. MR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3D78B2W70
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND PASSED IN OFF POSITION AND FOR NO CAUSE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT.*AK CONSUMER STATES DEALERSHIP COMPLETED THE REPAIR, THEY INDICATED THAT THE COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW AN AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, DEALER COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY AIR BAG DEPLOYED, ONE PERSON WAS INJURIED DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DD58B3W2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DF58N2W2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE PARKED, I WAS TURNING ON THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND HIT ME. VERY DANGEROUS, MY THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS BEHIND ME AND WAS KNOCKED DOWN. IN ADDITION, I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY THIS WAS A MALFUNCTION (DEALER COMMENTS). CHECKED YOUR DATABASE AND FOUND ANOTHER INCIDENT AROUND THE SAME TIME A YEAR BEFORE, SAME MAKE,MODEL,YEAR. ISN'T THIS A PROBLEM?*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-19
- VIN: YS3DD75B8W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND NO FRONTAL IMPACTS, PASSENGER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSEDA LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER ADMITTED THEY HAD A DEFECTIVE DESIGN PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-30
- VIN: YSEDF78N1W7
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: ALL 4 LIGHT ALLOY WHEELS BENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YS3DD58B9W2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE TURN SIGNAL REMAINS ON AFTER TURNING. YH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DIFFICULT STEERING VEHICLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- VIN: YS3DF75N1W7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THERE IS NO INTERLOCK ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO PREVENT THE CAR STARTING IN GEAR. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-19
- VIN: YS3DF75N1W7
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: POWER ELECTRIC SEATS FAILED TO RESPOND PROPERLY. DO NOT GO FORWARD/BACKWARDS WHEN BUTTON PUSHED. HAD TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD & TURNED VEHICLE OFF & RESTART IT FOR SEATS TO WORK.TOOK TO DEALER TO CHECK IT. *AK
1998 Saab 900 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1998 Saab 900.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN BUILD UP WITHIN THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE AND CREATE ENOUGH OF A CHARGE TO CAUSE AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MOST OF THESE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN COOLER, DRY WEATHER, AND HAVE GENERALLY INCLUDED DUSTING OR WIPING OF THE DASHBOARD, STARTING THE CAR, OR CLOSING THE DOOR.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE GROUNDING STRAP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 2001. 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Consequence: THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
- 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.
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