1993 Saab 9000: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 1994 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“We fixed the car the first time the fuel was leaking, and it was a big spray in the trunk, after that we had trouble with turning it on and it staying on. Now the car about november '05 it started smelling like gas again. It is now may 9 2006 and we took it to get a diagnostics test in march '06 and they weren't too sure what the mishap is. We are really concerned I am currently 2 months pregnant and I will pretty soon need to carry my child in this vehicle but I am really scared of what could go wrong. I constantly get rides from my mother, because of the car dying on me. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2005
“While driving brake light and the ABS light came on. Vehicle lost braking operation. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The brake motor was replaced. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2003
“The traction control system cuts warning light comes on, the pedel forceful comes up, car slows - complete loss of power - and will not accelerate till foot is lifted of accelerator and depressed again. Pedal is now hard to depress and power loss is signifcant from normal. Very enjoyable when accelerating and changing lanes in front of a semi. This will happen occasionally when accelerating - trying to pass, get on a freeway, etc. This happens upon depressing the pedal only slightly. There is no modifications to correct and turn off completely. Dt”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel tank is leaking fuel. Vehicle is at the dealer for inspection and determined that tank has cracked under the belts.*ak dealer replaced the tank and valve. *slc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2001
“3 of 4 tires exhibited tire belt bunching or shifting, resulting in rough ride and fade or change in feel of stearing. The dealership covered the tires under warranty only after a great deal of preasure by me and my thwarting their confrontational tactics. *ak (tiresize: p205/60r15)( dot number: tire size: p205/60r15 )”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2000
“While pulling away from a stop lower control arm broke. Appeared to have sheared in two parts. Parts were available for inspection if needed. Manufacturer was contacted at this time. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 1999
“Wiring harness with airbag system and seatbelt is inoperative which won't protect the occupant in event of a crash. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1999
“While driving at 35 mph, without prior warning, while going over a bridge vehicle died out and lost power. Vehicle has been in the shop three times for repair work, and dealer can't determine the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1998
“The tracation control goes on and off unrelated to any road conditions. The engine cannot be adequately controlled nor the engagement of the transmission is smooth enough for maintaining control of the road. It is an accident waiting to happen, which it almost did several times.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1998
“The traction control kicks in without need when there are no slick spots on the road or some times a bump, it also activates at high speeds.*et”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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.
A NUMBER OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES HAVE AN OVAL-SHAPED PISTON WHICH CAN GET STUCK UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. OTHER SWITCHES WERE MOUNTED SO THAT BOTH LOCKING TABS ARE NOT COMPLETELY ENGAGED IN THE MOUNTING BRACKET. IF ONE SIDE IS NOT ENGAGED, THE SWITCH IS MISALIGNED WITH THE PEDAL MECHANISM AND CAN BIND THE PISTON MOVEMENT, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TO STICK IN THE "OFF" OR "ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES. FOR VEHICLES WITH THE OVAL-SHAPED PISTON AND FOR VEHICLES WITH MISALIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH 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 1993 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 1993 Saab 9000 reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Saab 9000. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1993 Saab 9000 have open recalls?
5 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.