1996 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 1996 Saab 9000 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources, here are the common problems reported by owners of the Saab 9000 1996:
- Electrical Problems:
The Saab 9000 is known to have electrical issues, including issues with rear lights, ABS warning lights, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning lights, and alarm malfunctions. These electrical gremlins can be persistent and require thorough diagnosis and repair.
- Turbo Compressor Unit Damage:
Turbo versions of the Saab 9000 may experience problems with damaged turbo compressor units. This issue can affect the performance and efficiency of the turbocharged engine and may require professional attention for repair.
- Worn Front Tires on Turbo Versions:
Another common problem with the Saab 9000 turbo versions is worn front tires. This issue could be due to various factors, including alignment issues, suspension problems, or tire wear patterns. Regular tire maintenance and inspections are essential to address this concern.
- General Reliability Concerns:
Some owners have expressed concerns about the overall reliability of the Saab 9000, citing the need for frequent part replacements and ongoing electrical issues. While the car is praised for its safety features and durability, these reliability issues can be a point of frustration for owners.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections to ensure the Saab 9000 remains in optimal condition. Addressing these issues promptly can help owners enjoy their Saab 9000 with fewer unexpected surprises and better long-term performance.
Are Saab 9000s reliable?
9000 Aero is the best car Saab has ever made
Very reliable and can easily last 300,000-500,000 miles. Engine is bulletproof - change the oil every 3,000 miles (regular oil) or 6,000 miles (synthetic) and the base is good for at least 300k.
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.
What are common faults with Saab?
Here are some of the most widely reported problems for the Saab 9-3.
- ABS or Traction Control Light Illuminate Due to Corroded Wiring. ...
- Engine Coolant Loss. ...
- Loud Noises When Driving on Rough Road. ...
- Engine Dies While Driving. ...
- Excessive Exhaust Noise.
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.
1996 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Saab 9000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Saab 9000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Saab 9000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-14
- VIN: YS3CD68UXT1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED THEN THE ALARM ACTIVATED. AFTER DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A MECHANIC.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-03
- VIN: YS3CD68U0T1
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I HAVE REPLACED THREE LOCKING ACTUATORS (DRIVER'S DOOR, LEFT PASSENGER'S DOOR, AND THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER'S DOOR) SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY CAR IN 1997. OF COURSE ALL THIS HAPPEN AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. PRESENTLY, I HAVE ONE DOOR LOCK THAT CAN BE OPENED WITH THE KEY KNOBE AND ON THE CONSOLE WHERE THE LOCK SWITCH IS LOCATED. IN TALKING WITH THE SAAB DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT I PROBABLY NEED THESE ACTUATORS WOULD PROBABLY COST ME APPROXIMATELY $300 EACH (A TOTAL OF $900) TO REPLACE. I FEEL THAT SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR ALL THREE (SO FAR) NOT TO BE WORKING. I HAVE NOT HAD THEM REPLACED YET BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. GALE E. MOORER - 7/9/04. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-05
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3CH68M4T1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1996 SAAB 9000 AERO REAR-ENDED AN IZUZU RODEO. DAMAGE TO THE RODEO WAS ALMOST UNNOTICEABLE. SAAB ENGINE HOWEVER ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A FACTORY CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO FIRE HAD SERVICED SAAB. RESPONSE FROM SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE - THE ISSUE DID NOT CONCERN SAAB AND WAS BETWEEN MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ME. WAS TOLD BY SAAB THAT INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD SUBROGATE THE CLAIM IF THEY THOUGHT IT WAS WORTHWHILE. INSURANCE COMPANY (METLIFE) COMMENTED THAT LOSS WAS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO PURSUE SUBROGATION. OBSERVED NO CONCERN THAT A PROBLEM COULD EXIST AND RAN INTO COMPLETE DENIAL OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY. CONCERN IS HOW AND WHY IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES WILL OTHERS BE IN DANGER OF A LIKE HAZARD. INCIDENT IS WELL DOCUMENT VIA DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS ALONG WITH EXTENSIVE DETAIL FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH SAAB.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-18
- VIN: YS3CD68UXT1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: YS3CD68UXT1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FAULTY VEHICLE TRANSMISSION IN 1996 SAAB 9000.*MR THE REPLACED TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER HAVING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE MANUALLY. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INTERNAL WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, IT STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. *PH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: YS3CD68UXT1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEATS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
- VIN: YS3CD68U1T1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME APART. IT IS HELD ON TO THE BELT BY A LEAD PIN. THAT PIN CAME LOOSE. THE BELT IS NO LONGER USEABLE. IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. A CHILD WAS STRAPPED IN AT THE TIME AND THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE SEAT BELT AND LATCH WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. I AM CONCERNED THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS NOT SAFE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I REPORTED THIS TO YOU THREE WEEKS AGO...STILL DON'T SEE IT IN THE COMPLAINTS SUMMARY. HOWEVER, SINCE MY REPORT, SAAB USA TELLS ME THAT THIS PROBLEM, FRONT SEAT BACKS THAT HAVE OVER 2 CM OF FREE-PLAY FRONT TO REAR IN THEM IS COMMON THROUGHOUT THEIR SAAB 9000 FLEET. I BELIEVE THESE SEATS ARE DANGEROUS IN THAT THEY ADD TO THE FORCES INFLICTED ON A DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. WOULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOU RECEIVED THIS REPORT BY SENDING ME A RETURN EMAIL ([email protected])? THANKS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
- VIN: YS3CF68M4T1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
- VIN: YS3CDG5U2T1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: GAS GAUGE INOPERATIVE.
Negative 1996 Saab 9000 car reviews
Positive 1996 Saab 9000 car reviews
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Hi there! Your title says it all! :)
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My second SAAB 9000 (10 years after my first - which unfortunately I lost in a one car accident) is a dependable, enjoyable touring sedan with features comparable with new cars of today. It truly is a pleasure to drive. Maintenance intervals are all well timed and I've had no problems. I would definitely consider another SAAB when the need arises.
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I bought this car used with 80k miles on it, but it came with full service records. Since then, I have put 50k miles on it and have only had one mechanical issue with a wheel bearing, which gave me plenty of notice. Overall, it has been a fantastic car - spacious, speedy, and incredibly comfortable on long road trips. Plus, it gets great gas mileage (28-30 mpg)! The headlights are also amazing and make driving at night a breeze. I even have a Thule roof rack that I can easily put on or take off in just 3 minutes, which is perfect for carrying bikes on trips to other states. With the hatchback, roomy trunk, and roof rack, who needs an SUV? I do have one, but I only use it for towing and hauling. A reliable car like this one is just so much better.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I absolutely love my car. It's perfect for my family and has plenty of power when I want to take it for a spin.
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I purchased the 9000 CSE 5-speed manual from a dealer when it had around 82k miles on it. I needed a car that could accommodate my kids and musical gear, but didn't want a wagon. Additionally, I wanted something sporty enough to match my driving habits. The Saab is fantastic! The rear seat room is even better than my wife's Volvo, the handling is excellent for a front-wheel drive, and the acceleration is very good (although I wish I had an Aero). The overall build quality is impressive, and even with 95k miles on it, the car still feels tight and composed. I absolutely LOVE the trunk! I can fit three large guitar cases in there without having to fold down the seats. When I do fold them down, I can fit an incredible amount of stuff in there.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Saab 9000 problems:
Common Saab 9000 problems? : r/saab
Jul 29, 2022 ... The big issues I would anticipate are electrical gizmos that might wear out (like EDU, ACC) and (if equipped) TCS parts, and pretty much ...
New to the 9000 -- what are the weak points | SaabCentral Forums
Sep 11, 2012 ... 9000 totally different from the 900. Cooling system issues are the most common 9000 problem, usually thermostat or hoses but electrical issues ...
Saab 9000 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top Saab 9000 Problems · Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover Gasket · Noise From Water Pump Failure · Head Gasket Failure · Engine Dies while Driving Or Will Crank but ...
ABS Warning Light Permanently On, But Brakes are Fine (1995 ...
Apr 3, 2020 ... I just purchased a 1995 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo hatchback in an online auction (Bring a Trailer), from a seller who owned the car for only a few ...
Noise on reversing | Saabscene Saab Forum - Saab Technical ...
Jan 21, 2004 ... I am also suffering from the same problems. ... common problem in 9000 needs replacement ... Apr 15, 2004 · reverse gear. reverse gear difficult to ...
Other years of Saab 9000
Are you having problems with your 1996 Saab 9000?
Cruz Greenfelder 2024-07-12
Hey there! I just sold my Saab. It had only 47,000 miles on it, but unfortunately, everything was starting to go wrong with lots of electrical problems. It was quite a shock to find out how much this car lost in value. I don't think I would ever own a Saab again. Remember to follow your own road though, right? Take care!