1992 Saab 9000: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“All I have to say is I have had this car for over a year. It has been absolutely the worst car I have ever purchased in my life.. I have had about seven.. And would never buy a saab. The transmission went at about 100,000 miles. Two months ago the ABS brakes fails. The steering is making all kinds of noises. I had to replace the alternator, fuel pump..ect...every time I get in the car I feel like it's a death trap. This is the 9000 cd non turbo by the way...just thought I would let the next guy know what is happening to me. I have put almost 5,000 dollars in repairs already, I will be lucky if I can sell this car for $500 bucks and I have had it only one year. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2005
“When making a left turn at very low speeds right side of axle broke, making vehicle inoperable. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to fix the problem. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2002
“As I began to back out of a parking space (with no other cars around), the automatic seat belt tensioner on the driver's side (part of the srs system) detonated. It sounded as if a firecracker exploded in my ear. I had not yet put on the seatbelt, so I wasn't injured, but it will cost $650 for a new seat belt assembly. The car has never been in an accident, and the airbag/srs system has never deployed before.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2001
Show 5 more owner reports
“Recall 99v109000; recall repairs on vehicle were done. But airbag light came on, indicating a problem with airbag system. Also owner had the recall item before the recall came out. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 1999
“While driving approximately 30mph, vehicle shifted into traction control on dry road and it stopped. Had to restart. When happened again, had it towed to dealer due to being stuck in traction mode. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1998
“When accelerating to merge into traffic or pass a vehicle, traction control warning light comes on, engine drops to approx. 500 rmps and vehicle dies. Was unable to restart engine.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1996
“While driving a fire started on the passenger side under sunvisor which is equipped with a power mirror , cause unknown. Please give any further details. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System
“The owner had taken the car in for steering to be flushed, and was told that high pressure holes caused leaking, perventive maintance was not done. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MOISTURE CAN ENTER THE AIR BAG INFLATABLE RESTRAINT ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND CAUSE CORROSION ON PORTIONS OF THE ECM PRINTER CIRCUIT BOARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE EXTERIOR OF THE ECM. IF THERE IS NO INDICATION OF MOISTURE, A COVER WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE ECM. IF THERE IS INDICATION OF MOISTURE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ECM AND INSTALL A COVER OVER THE NEW ECM.
MOISTURE CAN FOLLOW THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ENTER THE PRESSURE SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSING CORROSION AND MALFUNCTION OF THE SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO THE ABS PRESSURE SWITCH TERMINALS FOR CORROSION AND INSTALL A SHRINK HOSE TO THE WIRING HARNESS TO AVOID MOISTURE ENTERING THE CONNECTION. PRESSURE SWITCHES WITH CORRODED CONNECTORS WILL BE REPLACED.
DURING LOW ENERGY FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISIONS, THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CAN CONTACT THE METAL TUBING PORTION OF THE COOLER HOSE ASSEMBLY; AND/OR THE HOSE ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK AND LEAK OIL ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR THE TURBOCHARGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER WHICH WILL PROTECT THE COOLER AND HOSES FROM OTHER STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN LOW ENERGY FRONT IMPACTS.
THE FUEL FILLER AND TANK VENTILATION HOSES MAY DEVELOP CRACKS UNDER THE SECURING HOSE CLAMPS, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: THE FUEL FILLER AND FUEL VENTILATION HOSES WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW HOSES. THE FIVE SECURING HOSE CLAMPS WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW TYPE WITH A SHIELD THAT PREVENTS DAMAGE TO THE HOSE WHEN TIGHTENED.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1992 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 9000 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 1992 Saab 9000 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Saab 9000. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 1992 Saab 9000 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive. 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.