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.
The worst 1993 Saab 9000 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission9
- Engine4
- Fuel system4
- Brakes3
- Seat belts3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission9
- Engine4
- Fuel system4
- Brakes3
- Seat belts3
- Airbags2
- Electrical2
- Wheels2
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Recalls 5
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This corrosion can possibly create open connections in circuits which control the restraint deployment, possibly causing inadvertent air bag deployment.
- 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.
Recall number 99V109000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Moisture can follow the electrical harness and enter the pressure switch connector causing corrosion and malfunction of the switch.
- Risk
- The corrosion causes a deterioration of the electricalswitch connection and can result in false illumination of ABS and/or the brake warning lights and/or the loss of power assistance because of no hydraulic pumpoperation. Loss of power assist increases the driver's brake pedal effort required for stopping which can result in extended braking distances.
- 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.
Recall number 95V067000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Oil leaking on these hot engine surfaces can ignite and cause a vehicular fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a protective cover which will protect the cooler and hoses from other structural components in low energy front impacts.
Recall number 94V126000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This results in either the brake lights remaining on constantly or the brake lights not illuminating when the brakes are applied. This results in inaccurate signals of brake operation to other vehicle operators, and could result in an accident.
- 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.
Recall number 94V108000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- The fuel filler and tank ventilation hoses may develop cracks under the securing hose clamps, resulting in fuel leakage.
- Risk
- Fuel leaks may result in a fire if an ignition sourceis present.
- 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.
Recall number 94V029000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 1993 Saab 9000
Defect investigations
Audio system fires
See resume for details.
SQ98006
Technical service bulletins for the 1993 Saab 9000 8
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Complaint of no start, stalling or poor driveability with automatic transmission and traction control
- Backgroud information in diagnosing a driveability complaint or the check engine lamp coming on
- New method of preload adjustment
- Adjustment of bearing tension
- Replacement of a/c hose
- Correcting complaints of poor defogging on rear window
- ACC electronic control module
- Improved connection (marmon type) between the turbo charger outlet and and the inlet pipe going into the...
1993 Saab 9000 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 15-17 | 22-26 | 18-21 |
What 1993 Saab 9000 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Dealership replaced the automatic transmission four times.
The driver's seat belt failed to release, which resulted in the consumer having to be cut out.
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
The federal safety agency recall 99v109000, air bag module, when consumer applied the brake, the air bag light illuminated, and at times the light stayed on which caused the battery to fail. *ak
While driving or starting vehicle and without warning, vehicle will stall, causing engine to shutdown, and vehicle to became inoperative. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic has serviced vehicle twice; currently, it is going on the 3rd time, and has not remedied the problem.*ak this vehicle has had repeated failures of the components rendering the vehicle inoperable each time.
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.
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.
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 )
Compare the 1993 Saab 9000
Other model years
Questions about the 1993 Saab 9000
Is the 1993 Saab 9000 reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1993 Saab 9000, 3.6 times a typical 9000 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 Saab 9000?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 9 complaints. Next is engine (4).
How many recalls does the 1993 Saab 9000 have?
5 recalls, covering air bags, service brakes, hydraulic and engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Saab 9000 get?
Official estimates for the 1993 Saab 9000 range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 15-17 city and 22-26 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1993 Saab 9000?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history