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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2000

Saab 900 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 196 owner complaints for the Saab 900, covering model years 1995 to 2000. The 1995 model year drew the most complaints (100), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Saab 900 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 196 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (1995–2000)
  • most complaints: 1995 (100 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (36 complaints)
  • latest recall 02V308000 (reported Nov 14, 2002)
  • 7 complaints reporting a crash (3.6%)
  • 6 complaints reporting a fire (3.1%)
  • 10 complaints reporting an injury (5.1%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Saab 900 complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1995 model year has the most complaints: 100 of 196, or 51.0%. Next come 1996 (48) and 1998 (24). The fewest are for 2000, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Saab 900 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2000Column chart of 196 complaints across 6 model years. The highest is 1995 with 100. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 100 complaints10019951996: 48 complaints4819961997: 21 complaints2119971998: 24 complaints2419981999: 2 complaints219992000: 1 complaint12000
Saab 900 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Saab 900 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
19951007320
1996480300
1997210020
1998240060
199920000
200010000
All model years19676100

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Saab 900 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 36 complaints (18.4% of all 196), followed by Power Train (36) and Engine and Engine Cooling (29).

Components named most often in Saab 900 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Saab 900 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System3618.4%
Power Train3618.4%
Engine and Engine Cooling2914.8%
Air Bags2613.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic178.7%
Structure147.1%
Vehicle Speed Control136.6%
Exterior Lighting126.1%
Seat Belts126.1%
Equipment105.1%
Visibility105.1%
Steering84.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline73.6%
Suspension73.6%
Seats63.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Saab 900 recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 900, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 1998. The 1995 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Saab 900 recall campaigns covering each model year
1995: 7 campaigns1996: 3 campaigns1997: 3 campaigns1998: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 02V308000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 1995

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  2. NHTSA campaign 01V222000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 1998

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  3. NHTSA campaign 98V139000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 1997–1998

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  4. NHTSA campaign 98V038000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model years 1995–1998

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  5. NHTSA campaign 97V046000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1995–1997

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  6. NHTSA campaign 96V077000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

    Model year 1996

    During static testing of belt anchorage points, the outboard attachment plate being used in the testing deformed and detached from the seat anchorage. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 209, "seat belt assemblies" and No. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: the belt may not latch properly increasing the risk of injury to an occupant should a vehicle crash occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the safety belt assemblies for the date of manufacture. Any assembly with date year 96 week 10 day 2 will be replaced.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  7. NHTSA campaign 96V008000

    Reported

    Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

    Model year 1995

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  8. NHTSA campaign 95V068000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model year 1995

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  9. NHTSA campaign 95V066000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Module

    Model year 1995

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

  10. NHTSA campaign 94V226000

    Reported

    Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner

    Model year 1995

    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.

    Filed by SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Saab 900 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Saab 900 have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Saab 900, covering model years 1995 to 2000. The most recent, 02V308000, was reported on November 14, 2002 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 1995 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which Saab 900 model year has the most complaints?

The 1995 model year, with 100 of the 196 complaints in NHTSA’s file (51.0%). The next are 1996 (48) and 1998 (24). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Saab 900 complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 36 complaints, or 18.4% of all 196. Power Train (36) and Engine and Engine Cooling (29) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Saab 900?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Saab dealer.

How many Saab 900 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 196 complaints, 7 report a crash, 6 a fire, 10 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Saab models

7 models · most complaints first

The Saab models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Saab VIN decoder with every Saab model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Saab 9-3 1999–2011 · 17 recalls · 1,345 complaints
  • Saab 9-5 1998–2011 · 9 recalls · 557 complaints
  • Saab 9-7X 2005–2009 · 4 recalls · 171 complaints
  • Saab 9-2X 2005–2006 · 8 recalls · 121 complaints
  • Saab 9-3 Convertible 1999–2002 · 2 recalls · 61 complaints
  • Saab 9000 1995–1998 · 1 recall · 25 complaints
  • Saab 9-4x 2011–2012 · 2 recalls · 5 complaints

All Saab models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.