Summary
The Saab 900 has 22 recalls spanning the 1979–1998 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a 1998 model year passenger-side airbag that can deploy unexpectedly when static electricity builds up in the module, triggered by actions as routine as wiping the dashboard, starting the car, or closing a door.
The 1995 model year carries several serious issues. On 1995 convertibles, the steering column shaft can develop a fatigue crack from a misalignment at installation, eventually causing a complete loss of steering. A separate 1995 recall covers the airbag control unit, where an internal electrical short can fire the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash. Also on 1995 models with manual transmissions, the shift lever can appear to be in reverse while the transmission is actually in neutral, or reverse can be knocked out accidentally, leaving the vehicle free to roll. The 2.3L engine in 1995 models with a specific engine control module can produce a hunting, surging idle for the first half-minute after a warm restart.
The 1994 model year has a dense cluster of recalls. The throttle lever bushing can corrode and cause the throttle to stick open after releasing the accelerator pedal. Front seat backs on 1994 three- and five-door models and 1995 convertibles may be missing arc welds in the recliner mechanism, allowing the seat back to collapse rearward in a rear impact. The seat rail trigger springs on manually adjusted front seats may lack enough force to lock the rails, letting the seat slide in a collision. The driver's seat height adjuster can crack at its attachment points and fold the seat backward in a rear impact. Front brake discs and pads can accumulate slush, salt, or water in winter conditions, causing a brief delay in braking response. The 1994 owner's manual also omits the headlamp aiming section, a compliance issue with no associated injury risk.
The 1996 five-door models have seatbelt outboard attachment plates that can deform and pull free from the seat anchorage in a crash.
Going back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 1989 model has an air recirculation fan resistor that can overheat due to reversed current flow through the cabin ventilation wiring, creating a fire risk inside the car. The 1988 and 1987 models share a wiring harness that can chafe against sharp edges under the dashboard, and in 1988 models also against a carpet support, raising the risk of a fire inside the passenger compartment.
The mid-1980s saw repeated fuel system fire risks. On 1986 900S and 900 Turbo models, a fuel hose between the pressure regulator and injector rail can rupture under stress and leak fuel. The 1985 16-valve Turbo has the same hose in the same location, where it can develop a sharp bend or twist from improper installation and rupture. The 1984 and 1983 models both have an alternator-to-starter cable that can rub against the brake fluid pipe in the engine compartment, wear through its insulation, and short circuit with a possible engine fire.
The earliest production years have their own issues. The 1981 model has front seatbelt buckles that can be difficult to latch due to insufficient lubrication, and a separate concern where unreliable connections at the fuel gauge transmitter can cut current to the electric fuel pump and stall the engine.
