1987 Saab 9000 problems
The Saab 9000 is a car produced by the Swedish company Saab from 1984 to 1998. Representing the company's foray into the executive car scene, it was developed as a result of the successes of the turbocharged 99 and 900 models. The 9000 remained in production until May 1998 and it was replaced by the Saab 9-5 in late 1997, although some final cars were produced into 1998. The Saab 9000 was only available with petrol engines, in two different 5-door hatchback designs or as a 4-door notchback.
Saab designed the 9000 as part of the Type Four platform in conjunction with the Italian automaker Fiat Automobiles. Fiat retailed similar derivative versions as the more basic Fiat Croma, the luxury-themed Lancia Thema, and the sports-oriented Alfa Romeo 164. Unlike the 164, which shares only the chassis, the Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000. As such, much of the bodywork appeared interchangeable between the 9000, Croma and Thema; for example, the doors. However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection they will not fit. Fiat had designed the Croma with no consideration of American crash test requirements, which forced Saab to strengthen the body by fitting various reinforcements. Thus, the front of the Saab is radically different from the Italian siblings due to the much improved crash protection. Only seven parts are actually interchangeable. The 9000's body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Saab designer Björn Envall.
Despite being shorter overall than the 900 which was still produced in parallel, the 9000 has a longer wheelbase and greater interior space with 3.5 cubic metres (120 cu ft) of interior space 0.67 cubic feet (0.019 m3) in the boot, 1.6 cubic metres (57 cu ft) with rear seats folded), qualifying as an EPA-rated large car, a distinction shared only with the contemporary Rolls-Royce in America. This was achieved by installing the engine transversely to the direction of travel in the Saab 9000 (instead longitudinally as in the Saab 900). Unlike the 900 the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between the front seats. The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall from The Muppet Show's Pigs in Space, a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson.
In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured. These are divided into: 216,385 Saab 9000 CC (MY 1985–1991), 174,525 Saab 9000 CS (MY 1992–1998), 112,177 Saab 9000 CD (MY 1988–1997).
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Common 1987 Saab 9000 problems
The Saab 9000, introduced in 1987, was a large saloon model developed by Saab in collaboration with Fiat. While the car had many innovative features and was praised for its handling and stability, there were several common problems reported by owners.
- Fuel System Issues: Some owners reported issues with the fuel system, including problems with the fuel pump and fuel injectors. These issues could lead to poor performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting the car.
- Automatic Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission in the 1987 Saab 9000 was known to have several issues, including slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These problems were often caused by worn out or damaged transmission components, such as the torque converter or transmission fluid.
- Suspension Issues: The innovative suspension system in the 9000, which was designed to provide excellent stability and handling, was also known to have issues. Some owners reported problems with the suspension components, including worn out bushings, broken springs, and leaking shocks.
- Electrical Issues: The 1987 Saab 9000 was known to have several electrical issues, including problems with the wiring, sensors, and electrical components. These issues could lead to problems with the car's electrical systems, including the lights, radio, and power windows.
- Body Rust: The 1987 Saab 9000 was known to have issues with body rust, particularly in areas such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear fenders. This issue was often caused by exposure to road salt and moisture, and could lead to structural damage and decreased value of the car.
- Interior Wear: The interior of the 1987 Saab 9000 was known to wear out quickly, particularly in areas such as the seats, carpets, and dashboard. This issue was often caused by normal wear and tear, and could lead to decreased value and comfort of the car.
- Poor Paint Quality: The paint quality on the 1987 Saab 9000 was known to be poor, with several owners reporting issues with chipping, peeling, and fading. This issue was often caused by exposure to the elements, and could lead to decreased value and appearance of the car.
- Heater Core Leaks: The heater core in the 1987 Saab 9000 was known to leak, which could lead to problems with the car's heating and cooling systems. This issue was often caused by normal wear and tear, and could lead to decreased value and comfort of the car.
- Manifold Gasket and Rocker Cover Gasket Leaks: The 1987 Saab 9000 was known to have issues with the manifold gasket and rocker cover gasket, which could lead to leaks and decreased performance. This issue was often caused by normal wear and tear, and could lead to decreased value and performance of the car.
In summary, the 1987 Saab 9000 was known to have several common problems, including weak engine mounts, fuel system issues, automatic transmission problems, suspension issues, electrical issues, body rust, interior wear, poor paint quality, heater core leaks, and manifold gasket and rocker cover gasket leaks. These issues were often caused by normal wear and tear, exposure to the elements, and mechanical failure, and could lead to decreased value, performance, and comfort of the car.
How good was the Saab 9000?
Good, old-fashioned 4-speed automatic does what you want and doesn't 'hunt'. Full-on 2.3 turbo Carlsson and Aero puts out 225bhp, which is very nearly too much. The more powerful turbos grip and handle best on Goodyear F1's or Toyo Proxes tyres. Ride quality a bit firm, but made up for by the excellent seats.
Is a Saab 9000 a good first car?
I chose a Saab 9000 as my first car because of its reputation as a reliable well built and safe car. I have found it to comfortably live up to its name. The car is brilliantly built and it has plenty of kit. Although not a griffin model, the car still has all the gadgets you would expect for a 90's exec.
How safe is a Saab 9000?
Saab's 9000 and 900 models were given top ratings in both of the surveys, consolidating their reputation as two of the safest cars on the road.
Are Saab 9 3 reliable cars?
The 9-3 is one of the most reliable and cost-efficient vehicles in the market. Some of its issues can be tedious to deal with, but most of them are preventable and repairable. If you're thinking of buying the Saab 9-3, keep in mind the importance of proper maintenance and repair.
1987 Saab 9000 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saab 9000 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Saab 9000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Saab 9000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Saab 9000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- VIN: YS3CT55L1H1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTED FROM INSIDE, CAUSING THEM TO CRACK.FROM INSIDE OUT, OFFERING NO SUPPORT FOR REAR AXLE WHICH WAS REAL CLOSE TO FALLIN GLOOSE FROM CAR. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-21
- VIN: YS3CT55L641
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, CAUSING FRONT AXLE TO SNAP.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 1YS3CT55L3H
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: LARGE CRACKS IN THE REAR WHEEL WELLS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3CS58D3H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE CALL MANUFACTURER SAID CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL CONSUMER HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL PURCHASE CAR NEW . TT *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YS3CT58L9H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHEN ENGINE WAS COLD AND OPERATING AT LOW SPEEDS. *SKD
1987 Saab 9000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Saab 9000.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: ABRASION ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT CARD IN THE COMBINATION NEUTRAL SAFETY/BACKUP LAMP SWITCH OPERATED BY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR MAY CAUSE RESIDUE TO COLLECT IN ELECTRICAL AREA ON THE CIRCUIT CARD.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITHSMOKE AND POSSIBLY A FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA.
- Remedy: ADD AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT, INCLUDING A RELAY, TO THE BACKUP LAMP CIRCUIT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT THAT CAN FLOW THROUGH THE COMBINATION SWITCH.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Saab 9000 problems:
1987 Saab 9000 Turbo | FinalGear.com Forums
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1987 Saab 900 8valve Starting Problems - UKSaabs
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classic 900 owners experience? : r/saab
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