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1996 Saab 900 problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Saab 900 is electrical system. It has 2.3 times the complaints of a typical 900 model year.

Typical year2.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
48
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
46
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18-21mpg

The worst 1996 Saab 900 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    11
  • Transmission
    10
  • Engine
    9
  • Fuel system
    6
  • Airbags
    5
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 3

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported February 24, 1998 · 92,505 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 98V038000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported March 21, 1997 · 52,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.
Risk
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.

Recall number 97V046000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported May 3, 1996 · 1,058 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 96V077000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1996 Saab 900

Defect investigations

Defective water pump pulleyOpened September 25, 2000, closed November 19, 2001

a

DP00008

New wheel boltsOpened October 9, 1998, closed October 27, 1998

saab issued a tsb informing dealers about a new wheel mounting bolt.If the issue is loosening of the lug nut, this could lead to bolt fatigue and the potential for a wheel separation.

SQ98018

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Saab 900 46

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 46 bulletins for the 1996 Saab 900

1996 Saab 900 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD16-1825-2619-21
2.0L 4‑cylFWD15-1723-2518-20
2.5L 6‑cylFWD172319

What 1996 Saab 900 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 2, 2024 · Airbags · ME

Passenger airbag deployed for no reason while driving car, no warning lights on dashboard, no impact, no precipitating event occured

Filed Nov 4, 2005 · Electrical · 99,000 miles · OR

Driving smoothly at 50 MPH in 1996 saab 900 se turbo, 99k miles. Engine RPM suddenly but smoothly drops to zero and stopped in a very unsafe place on the highway. Car would not re-start. Absolutely no faults of any kind occurred during the months leading up to this incident. This car's direct ignition cassette was replaced once already in jan. 2000 by the previous owner.

Filed Sep 4, 2005 · Fuel system · 58,857 miles · VA

In june 2003, a crack was discovered in the fuel tank of my 1996 saab 900s. The tank was replaced. On 28 july 2004, the replacement tank was discovered to have a leak and was replaced. On 1 september 2005, the second replacement tank was diagnosed as leaking.

Filed Jul 29, 2005 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · CT

Prior to di failure, starting impairment and misfires detected with cel. Upon failure, car would not run and steering was lost. To correct failure, new di was fitted after it was broken. Symptoms should have been reason enough to change it early.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NY

While driving ball bearrings exploded in the lower engine. Consumer heard a loud boom. The vehicle was full of clean oil. Consumer contacted the maufacturer and the dealer. Vehicle is currently at dealer.

Filed Oct 10, 2003 · Airbags · 100,000 miles · MA

When the rear passenger door was opened front passenger side air bag deployed, and smoke entered the passenger's cabin.

Filed Apr 29, 2003 · Electrical · 72,000 miles · NJ · fire

On april 27, 2003, my saab 900 se had an electrical failure while driving within a minute had completely destroyed the car. The "check battery" light came on along with the hazard light. My wife was driving the car in heavy traffic and just escaped the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames. The police had to call me to get the license plate number and VIN, as they had melted. The car had 72,000 miles and had been checked twice in the past year. Just months before it had been completely inspected. The car was in show room condition.

Filed Mar 26, 2003 · FL

Odometer fraud. The advertised mileage was 55,000 but the carfax reported the mileage at 150,000 miles over a year ago. I reported it to the dealer, took back my deposit and gave back the car. They informed me they already had another buyer for the car and are still advertising it with 55,000 miles.

Filed Mar 14, 2003 · Engine · MA

The timing belt failed. *jb (saab 900 se)

Filed Sep 5, 2002 · Fuel system · MA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1996 Saab 900

Is the 1996 Saab 900 reliable?

Owners have filed 48 complaints about the 1996 Saab 900, 2.3 times a typical 900 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Saab 900?

Electrical system, with 11 complaints. Next is transmission (10).

How many recalls does the 1996 Saab 900 have?

3 recalls, covering exterior lighting, vehicle speed control and seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Saab 900 get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Saab 900 range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 16-18 city and 25-26 highway.

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