1998 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 1998 Saab 9000 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Saab 9000 1998, common problems reported include:
- Noise From Water Pump Failure:
- Water pump failure can result in overheating and engine damage. Owners should listen for unusual noises coming from the water pump area and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- Head Gasket Failure:
- Head gasket failure can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage. Owners should monitor coolant levels, watch for signs of overheating, and address any issues with the head gasket promptly to prevent serious engine problems.
- Electrical Problems:
- Electrical issues can manifest in various ways, affecting components like lights, power windows, and other electrical systems. It is essential to diagnose and repair electrical problems promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
- Turbocharger Failure:
- Turbocharger failure can lead to a loss of power and engine performance. Owners should watch for signs of decreased boost pressure, unusual noises from the turbo area, or smoke from the exhaust, and address any turbocharger issues promptly to avoid further damage.
- Suspension Problems:
- Suspension issues can affect the handling and ride comfort of the vehicle. Owners should look out for signs of a rough ride, unusual noises from the suspension components, or uneven tire wear, and address any suspension problems promptly to maintain driving safety and comfort.
- Brake System Problems:
- Brake system issues, such as squeaking brakes or a soft brake pedal, can compromise braking performance and safety. Owners should regularly inspect the brake system, including brake pads, rotors, and calipers, and address any brake-related problems promptly to ensure optimal braking performance.
These common problems with the Saab 9000 1998 can impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections are essential to address these issues and ensure the proper functioning 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.
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.
How many Saab 9000 are left?
There are 33,613,513 cars & other vehicles with valid MOTs. There are 582 SAAB 9000 left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0017% of all UK vehicles are SAAB 9000.
What is a Saab 9000 worth?
A: The average price of a Saab 9000 is $10,197.
1998 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:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Saab 9000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Saab 9000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Saab 9000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-29
- VIN: YS3AK36D6J3
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONTROL ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM WAS A PART OF A RECALL BUT THE OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED.
1998 Saab 9000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Saab 9000.
- 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.
Positive 1998 Saab 9000 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Saab 9000 problems:
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 ...
What do you think about the reliability of the 9000? | Saab Link Forums
Jan 8, 2008 ... Don't get me wrong, I love the car but I'm not that happy... Do you think the 9K is a reliable car according to your standards?
1998 SAAB 9000 Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Issues with the climate control blend door stepper motor and thermometer circulation fan. Heat is stuck on, but can be regulated with fan speed (unresolved ...
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 ...
3.0 V6 Any opinions? | Saabscene Saab Forum - Saab Technical ...
Dec 4, 2005 ... Saabscene Saab Forum - Saab Technical Information Resource ... Common problems? What to look out for? Many ... Saab 9000 (1984 - 1998) Saab 9-3 ...
Other years of Saab 9000
Are you having problems with your 1998 Saab 9000?
Justen Nolan 2025-03-09
The car offers an exceptional combination of power, comfort, and fuel economy. With over 35 mpg on the freeway and more than 24 mpg in town, it is one of the fastest sedans and even outperforms some 2-seaters. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and the controls are well laid out. Although it lacks a proper glove box and cupholders, it is still an amazing car. I plan to drive it for another 20 years! It's truly awesome.
Jonathan Rice 2025-03-03
I recently purchased a '97 9000 Aero to upgrade and use as a spare car for fun drives. As a long-time admirer of these cars, I jumped at the opportunity to refurbish one. After a suspension overhaul, clutch replacement, Stage 1 ECU upgrade, thicker sway bars, and a few other upgrades, this 9000 is as good as new. It's fast, comfortable, and has the best seats ever designed. Despite its size, it still manages to get an impressive 32mpg on the highway. It was heartbreaking to see Saab go bankrupt. As a Saab enthusiast, I was hoping for a new '12 9-5 wagon. Nevertheless, this 5-speed fast hatch will keep me happy for many years to come. In fact, I'd choose to drive this car over many newer models.
Nicholas Haley 2025-03-01
This has been one of the best cars that I've ever owned! It's heavy enough to be safe on highways and steady enough to not even bounce when side-swiped. Plus, it's reasonable on fuel and the hatch back has been indispensable. I've absolutely loved this car. Although the 1st transmission failed at 49K, it was replaced (free) with a re-built one and we've had no problems since. The gasket heads got a little leaky last year, but we've got everything under control. We've made a few major repairs through Saab, which can be costly, but we wanted to be sure we weren't using poor replacement parts. We finished all minor repairs and tune ups at a good local service garage. Overall, I highly recommend this car!
Raoul Ziemann 2025-01-24
I have the automatic version of this car, which I bought for practical reasons since I live in Los Angeles and spend hours in traffic every week. However, I must admit that I sometimes wish I had a stick shift because this car is so much fun to drive! Originally from MA, the car's undercarriage rusted significantly before I bought it, which has caused a few minor problems. But to be fair, these are issues that you would expect to see on a 17-year-old vehicle with mostly original equipment. Despite this, I have managed to take it from 82K miles a couple of years ago to about 107K today without any major repairs. The build quality, especially where the interior is concerned, could be improved, but overall I'm quite happy with my purchase.
Fidel Adams 2024-10-02
For the money, you can enjoy great comfort, performance, and one of the safest cars ever. Although there are some minor things that need to be done, they are nothing compared to buying a new car. These cars can be real performers (450hp+) with little work and have a great feel for the road. The seats in the Aero are a dream and there is great cargo space. You can even rebuild the entire car for under $10,000. Just remember to maintain oil changes at 2,500 miles and automatic transmission at 30,000 miles (using synthetic oil) and you can easily see 300,000 miles.