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1990 Saab 9000 problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Saab 9000 is brakes. Its complaint count is close to a typical 9000 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
18-21mpg

The worst 1990 Saab 9000 problems

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

  • Brakes
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls 1

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported November 2, 1990 · 24,379 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Abrasion on the printed circuit card in the combination neutral safety/backup lamp switch operated by the automatic transmission gear selector may cause residue to collect in electrical area on the circuit card.
Risk
This could cause overheating of the switch assembly withsmoke and possibly a fire in the center console area.
Remedy
Add an electrical circuit, including a relay, to the backup lamp circuit to reduce the current that can flow through the combination switch.

Recall number 90V001000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Saab 9000

Defect investigations

Passenger compartment fireOpened June 30, 1995, closed July 31, 1996

There is no summary currently available

EA95020

Passenger compartment firesOpened February 10, 1995, closed June 30, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE95009

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Saab 9000 4

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

1990 Saab 9000 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD16-1922-2618-21
2.3L 4‑cylFWD15-1823-2418-20

What 1990 Saab 9000 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 21, 2010 · Transmission · 230,000 miles · OK

Vehicle will occasionally be hard to start, when does start it misses until revved to clear up. Tune ups are performed at recommended mileage. My car is a 1990, first year for saab direct ignition. Replaced ignition cassette less than 30,000 miles ago, starting to go out again. During my ownership I have replaced the direct ignition twice, I have owned the car approx 8 years. I feel all owners of vehicles equipped with this part should be reimbursed. I used to be saab tech and these modules go out way too often and are expensive to replace .

Filed Oct 11, 1999 · Seat belts · VA

No summary

Filed Nov 20, 1997 · Brakes · OH

The ABS warning light illuminated, indicating malfunction within the system. Please give any further details.

Filed Jun 24, 1997 · Brakes · UT

When applying the ABS brakes the brake pedal becomes hard and the light comes on, but it has not affected the braking of the vehicle just yet.

Filed Jun 20, 1997 · Brakes · UT

The ABS light continues to come on, and the brake pedal gets really hard when it does and the brakes do operate.

Filed Aug 14, 1995 · Transmission · NJ

The transmission was replaced two times purchase car new only can drive in reverse . Tt

Filed Aug 1, 1995 · Electrical · TX · fire

Caught on fire in the garage from under the hood from the wiring harness. Please describe. Tt

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Saab 9000 before you buy

Compare the 1990 Saab 9000

Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998

Questions about the 1990 Saab 9000

Is the 1990 Saab 9000 reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1990 Saab 9000, close to a typical 9000 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Saab 9000?

Brakes, with 3 complaints. Next is transmission (2).

How many recalls does the 1990 Saab 9000 have?

1 recall, covering electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Saab 9000 get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Saab 9000 range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 16-19 city and 22-26 highway.

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