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1996 Saab 9000 problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Saab 9000 is engine and cooling, typically around 55,000 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical 9000 model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
17
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
18-21mpg

The worst 1996 Saab 9000 problems

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

  • Engine
    4
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    4
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Audio system firesOpened April 22, 1998, closed May 8, 1998

See resume for details.

SQ98006

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Saab 9000 17

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

See all 17 bulletins for the 1996 Saab 9000

1996 Saab 9000 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD15-1824-2618-21
3.0L 6‑cylFWD162419

What 1996 Saab 9000 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 14, 2006 · Engine · 118,000 miles · CT

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle stalled then the alarm activated. After disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was not seen by a mechanic.

Filed Jul 9, 2004 · Locks · IN

I have replaced three locking actuators (driver's door, left passenger's door, and the right rear passenger's door) since I have purchased my car in 1997. Of course all this happen after the warranty had expired. Presently, I have one door lock that can be opened with the key knobe and on the console where the lock switch is located. In talking with the saab dealer, I was informed that I probably need these actuators would probably cost me approximately $300 each (a total of $900) to replace. I feel that something must be wrong with the electrical system for all three (so far) not to be working. I have not had them replaced yet because I think this is totally ridiculous. Gale e. Moorer - 7/9/04.

Filed Mar 19, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · NC · crash · fire

1996 saab 9000 aero rear-ended an izuzu rodeo. Damage to the rodeo was almost unnoticeable. Saab engine however erupted into flames and was a total loss. A factory certified technician less than 30 days prior to fire had serviced saab. Response from saab customer service - the issue did not concern saab and was between my insurance company and me. Was told by saab that insurance company would subrogate the claim if they thought it was worthwhile. Insurance company (metlife) commented that loss was not large enough to pursue subrogation. Observed no concern that a problem could exist and ran into complete denial of any responsibility. Concern is how and why it could have happened and under similar circumstances will others be in danger of a like hazard. Incident is well document via digital photographs along with extensive detail from conversations with saab.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 55,000 miles · NJ

The dealer replaced the transmission four times in the past two years. *ak the vehicle had to be driven manually and stayed in 4th gear. The mechanic found an internal transmission problem. The rear brake pads were worn, the transmission oil pump was worn out, the hazards did not work when the weather was hot, but worked with the A/C it did not work. *scc the muffler was replaced, the drive belt and pulleys were replaced, the rear brake rotors were out of specification and the brake pads were worn, the seat heater light switch was replaced, the oil pump was worn out

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · NJ

Faulty vehicle transmission in 1996 saab 9000.*mr the replaced transmission failed resulting in the consumer having to drive the vehicle manually. The dealer found that the problem was internal with the transmission shifts, it stayed in 4th gear. They had to replace it with a rebuilt transmission.

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 55,000 miles · NJ

The automatic transmission was replaced three times. *ph the first transmission was replaced due to a worn out oil pump(the fluid was burned), and there was a whining noise. The second incident happened while the consumer was driving and the transmission did not shift properly (had to drive back manually/the mechanic found an internal problem), the vehicle stayed in fourth gear, and had to be replaced with a rebuilt transmission. The rear brake pads had worn out. *scc. The seat heater light was inoperative, the dealer replaced the seat heater switch, the exhaust system was replaced, the drive belt and pulleys were replaced. The mechanic stated something within the vehicle was built incorrectly to cause the transmission to fail. The motor for the rear windshield wipers had to be replaced, which caused the front windshield wipers not to work, and the hazard lights worked intermittently.

Filed May 12, 2002 · Seat belts · MA

The rear center seat belt buckle came apart. It is held on to the belt by a lead pin. That pin came loose. The belt is no longer useable. It has to be replaced. A child was strapped in at the time and the car was in motion. The seat belt and latch will require replacement. I am concerned this safety feature is not safe.

Filed Oct 28, 1998 · Seat belts · AL

I reported this to you three weeks ago...still don't see it in the complaints summary. However, since my report, saab USA tells me that this problem, front seat backs that have over 2 cm of free-play front to rear in them is common throughout their saab 9000 fleet. I believe these seats are dangerous in that they add to the forces inflicted on a driver in the event of an accident. Would you please let me know you received this report by sending me a return email ([email protected])? Thanks.

Filed Oct 27, 1997 · Lights · CA

Brake lights failed.

Filed Nov 20, 1996 · Fuel system · NY

Gas gauge inoperative.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Saab 9000 before you buy

Compare the 1996 Saab 9000

Other model years

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Questions about the 1996 Saab 9000

Is the 1996 Saab 9000 reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1996 Saab 9000, 1.3 times a typical 9000 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Saab 9000?

Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles. Next is transmission (3).

How many recalls does the 1996 Saab 9000 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Saab 9000 get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Saab 9000 range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 15-18 city and 24-26 highway.

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