1997 Saab 900: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I went to put my seat belt on and it caught on something and wouldn't let me extract the belt from the retractor. This vehicle registration is not-operative. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saab 900. The contact stated that while parking, the air bags deployed haphazardly. The air bag deployment caused the windshield to become cracked and the contact to suffer minor hearing lost. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic stated the vehicle was destroyed due to the air bag deployment. The failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2012
“My driver side inside door handle broke, massachusetts will not pass it due to it being a safety hazard. We took the door apart fixed the door and then tested the locks to make sure they still work. It was then that the deadlock was engaged. We realized that last night if a child was in the car they would not be able to let themselves out of the car nor can you get in. There are numerous accounts of this feature failing and not releasing from a key. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Failure in 1997 saab 900 se of direct ignition cassette. There was a recall for year model 2000-2002, but earlier model years fail too. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2006
“Re: saab 900 1997. Upon turning the ignition key in an attempt to start the car the airbags deployed and the seat belts tensioned. The windshield was broken and the radio popped out of the dash. This is event is very much alike to defects described in recalls of saab 900 1995 and 1998 model years. I have already filed a report at saab. Saab has informed me that at this time they have no intention of addressing the issue. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2006
“Three times in the past year, the clutch cable on my car has broken. Thankfully, each time I was within four miles of my home. Without the ability to shift, I was required to attempt to drive home or to the service station with no stopping. Luckily, I was able to blow through stop signs and avoid traffic. I do not look forward to three months from now when the cable breaks again leaving me stranded in a less convenient location. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2005
“During an extremely hard stop and swerve to avoid a vehicle pulling out of it's lane, the front passenger seatbelt popped out of its harness and the pasenger was propelled in to the dash.the seatbelt was properly secured, and afterwards we were unable ot duplicate the problem by pulling hard on the seatbelt.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2005
“The vehicle suddenly accelerated when the throttle became stuck. *ph while looking at the NHTSA website, the consumer saw that the problem he experienced was the subject of a recall (97v-046000). It appeared that the recall was not done on the consumer's vehicle prior to him purchasing it. The dealer indicated that it was the responsibility of the consumer to make sure the recall was done. *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2004
“Consumer is having problems with the engine. While driving, the engine accelerated, when the consumer stepped on the brake pedal it did not work. Dealer was contacted and has not seen the vehicle. Ph”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2002
“Both sunvisors broke wihtin three months. Plastic attachment failed. Safety hazard for driver with sun at low angle at this time of year. Manufacturer had no explanation for failure.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.
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."
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.
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."
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 900 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Saab 900 reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Saab 900. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1997 Saab 900 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.