SAAB 900 (1980–1998) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 1980–1998 · all production years covered on this single page
2.3L I4 • Gasoline
1998
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
Every figure on this Saab 900 (1980–1998) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Saab 900 (1980–1998) is powered by a 2.3L I4 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (46)
NHTSA R/1997/024
Possibility Of The Throttle Binding
Date: 30-04-1997
Binding of the throttle lever may occur due to the possibility of white corrosion.
NHTSA 95V068000
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Date: 29/03/1995
IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION, REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, AND STILL HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, OR, TO ACCIDENTLY DISENGAGE REVERSE BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER.
NHTSA 95V066000
Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Date: 29/03/1995
UPON STARTUP, A VOLTAGE DROP TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MALFUNCTION WHERE ENGINE SPEED FLUCTUATES FROM 600 TO 3,000 RPM FOR UP TO 30 SECONDS BEFORE NORMAL ENGINE IDLE OF 900 RPM.
NHTSA 95V068000
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Date: 29/03/1995
IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION, REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, AND STILL HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, OR, TO ACCIDENTLY DISENGAGE REVERSE BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER.
NHTSA 84V019000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 29/02/1984
POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AT THE FUEL GAUGE TRANSMITTER MAY RESULT IN A STOPPAGE OF THE FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE STALLING. IN EXTREME CASES, FUEL VAPOR MAY LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA 84V019000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 29/02/1984
POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AT THE FUEL GAUGE TRANSMITTER MAY RESULT IN A STOPPAGE OF THE FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE STALLING. IN EXTREME CASES, FUEL VAPOR MAY LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA R/1996/019
Misalignment Of Steering Column
Date: 29-02-1996
The steering column may have been misaligned during assembly. This could cause fatigue in the column and result in loss of steering control.
NHTSA 88V185000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 28/11/1988
FUEL FILTER MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION CONCERNING LEAKAGE CRITERIA DUE TO LOW TEMPERATURE DURING THE GLUING PROCESS.
NHTSA 86V057000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 28/04/1986
THE BOLT IN THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TORQUED AND MAY BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY ALLOW THE …
NHTSA 89V104000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Date: 27/06/1989
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A REVERSE CURRENT MIGHT FLOW THROUGH A WIRE CABLE BETWEEN THE AIR RECIRCULATION SWITCH AND A MICROSWITCH.
NHTSA 98V038000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 24/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 98V038000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 24/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 98V038000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 24/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 98V038000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 24/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 98V038000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 24/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 80V123000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Date: 23/09/1980
THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THE MOUNTING COLLAR FOR THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP, SUBMERGED IN THE FUEL, COULD PARTIALLY DETACH FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.
NHTSA 98V139000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 23/06/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
NHTSA 98V139000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 23/06/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
NHTSA 96V008000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 23/01/1996
THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE COLUMN TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
NHTSA R/1996/061
Specification Of Seat Belt Tongue
Date: 23-05-1996
The tongue at the end of the seat belt has not been hardened to the correct specification.
NHTSA 97V046000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 21/03/1997
CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
NHTSA 97V046000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 21/03/1997
CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
NHTSA 97V046000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 21/03/1997
CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
NHTSA 97V046000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 21/03/1997
CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
NHTSA 94V226000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 18/11/1994
ONE OR MORE OF THE ARC WELDS CAN BE MISSING ON THE SEAT BACK FRAME RECLINER.
NHTSA 94V226000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 18/11/1994
ONE OR MORE OF THE ARC WELDS CAN BE MISSING ON THE SEAT BACK FRAME RECLINER.
NHTSA 94V074000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc
Date: 16/04/1994
THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND/OR PADS SHIELDS DO NOT PROTECT THE ASSEMBLIES FROM BEING COATED WITH A LAYER OF SLUSH, ROAD SALT OR WATER WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN. THIS CAN RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKING ACTION THAT INCREASES NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA 02V308000
Air Bags
Date: 14/11/2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) IS DESIGNED TO SENSE AND DISCRIMINATE FRONTAL IMPACT EVENTS, COMMAND AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENTS IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND PERFORM CONTINUOUS DIAGNOSTICS OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE…
NHTSA 94V174000
Structure › Body › Door
Date: 14/09/1994
THE TWO WELD POINTS IN THE REARWARD ATTACHMENT BRACKET FOR THE SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION BEAM IN THE REAR DOOR MAY BE OUT OF POSITION. IF THE WELDS ARE OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLES WILL NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 214, S5, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
NHTSA 83V068000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 14/07/1983
A PROBLEM RELATING TO THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE BRACKET ATTACHMENT COULD CAUSE LEAKING OF TRANSMISSION OIL. TRANSMISSION COULD LOCK UP DUE TO LACK OF PROPER OIL LUBRICATION.
NHTSA 94V110000
Seats
Date: 13/06/1994
A WELD IN THE SEAT RAILS WAS NOT MADE, INCREASING THE RISK OF FATIGUE CRACKS FORMING AROUND THE ATTACHMENT BUSHINGS ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, CAUSING THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HEIGHT ADJUSTER BREAKING IN A REAR END COLLISION AND ALLOWING THE SEAT TO FOLD BACKWARDS.
NHTSA R/2002/093
Towball Came Adrift From Towbar
Date: 11-07-2002
A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurely detach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.
NHTSA 87V013000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 10/02/1987
THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL MAY RUPTURE DUE TO STRESS.
NHTSA 87V013000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 10/02/1987
THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL MAY RUPTURE DUE TO STRESS.
NHTSA 81V147000
Seat Belts › Front
Date: 08/12/1981
THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT PERMANENT LUBRICATION IN THE BUCKLE/RELEASE MECHANISM OF THE TYPE 2 SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. THIS MAY CAUSE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS TO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN FULLY FASTENING SEAT BELTS, ALTHOUGH THEY MAY SEEM TO BE FULLY FASTENED.
NHTSA 94V127000
Seats
Date: 08/07/1994
TWO TRIGGER SPRINGS MOUNTED TO THE FORE/AFT ADJUSTMENT LEVER DO NOT DEVELOP SUFFICIENT FORCE TO PROPERLY LOCK THE SEAT RAILS. AFTER THE SEAT IS ADJUSTED, THIS DOES NOT ALLOW THE SEAT RAIL LOCK TO PROPERLY ENGAGE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO MOVE IN A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION.
NHTSA 85V060000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 08/05/1985
THE FLEXIBLE FUEL HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT OF ITS NORMAL POSITION AND HAVE A SHARP BEND OR TWIST NEAR ONE OF ITS FITTINGS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD LEAD TO HOSE RUPTURE, FUEL…
NHTSA 88V149000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Date: 07/09/1988
BOLTS USED IN THE ATTACHMENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL ARMS MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA R/2003/057
Possible Inadvertant Deployment Of Front Airbag(S).
Date: 07-04-2003
A capacitor in the front air bag control unit may short circuit This could lead to an inadvertent deployment of the air bag(s).
NHTSA 84V012000
Electrical System › Wiring
Date: 06/02/1984
THE ELECTRICAL CABLE BETWEEN THE STARTER AND THE ALTERNATOR MAY RUB AGAINST A BRAKE LINE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL WELL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA R/2001/099
Unintentional Deployment Of Passenger Air Bag
Date: 04-10-2001
A build up of static electricity may cause unintentional deployment of the front passenger air bag.
NHTSA 96V077000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 03/05/1996
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."
NHTSA 01V222000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 02/07/2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN BUILD UP WITHIN THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE AND CREATE ENOUGH OF A CHARGE TO CAUSE AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MOST OF THESE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN COOLER, DRY WEATHER, AND HAVE GEN…
NHTSA 85V036000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Date: 02/04/1985
THE ELECTRICAL CABLE BETWEEN THE STARTER AND THE ALTERNATOR CAN RUB AGAINST THE BRAKE FLUID PIPE ATTACHED TO THE LEFT INNER WHEELHOUSE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. …
NHTSA 88V173000
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Date: 01/11/1988
WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).
NHTSA 88V173000
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Date: 01/11/1988
WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
303 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Saab 900 across model years 1980–1998. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
19 crash reports 22 fires 19 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199556
Model year 199643
Model year 199439
Model year 199824
Model year 198922
Model year 199721
Model year 199221
Model year 199019
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling52
Electrical System48
Power Train45
Air Bags40
Service Brakes21
Hydraulic21
Sample reports
THE LOWER "A" ARM OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS CRACKS IN IT. FRACTURE OF THE "A" ARM WOULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL TURNING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE HEAD GASKET LEAKS AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER LEAKS IN THE ENGINE AND TRANSM… (MY 1992)
THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON FAILURE ON SAAB 900 CARS, WELL KNOWN TO DEALERS AND THE FACTORY AS WELL AS THE TSN BULLETIN BOARD WHICH HAS BEEN UP SINCE 1988. [WWW.SAABNET.COM] THE MANUFACTURER HAS MADE AVAILABLE A REINFORCED LOWER SUSPEN… (MY 1987)
BOTH SUNVISORS BROKE WIHTIN THREE MONTHS. PLASTIC ATTACHMENT FAILED. SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVER WITH SUN AT LOW ANGLE AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. MANUFACTURER HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR FAILURE.*AK (MY 1997)
WHILE DRIVING AND NO FRONTAL IMPACTS, PASSENGER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSEDA LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER ADMITTED THEY HAD A DEFECTIVE DESIGN PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK (MY 1998)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1980–1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Saab 900 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 66 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Saab 900?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Saab 900?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Saab 900?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are transmission problems common on the Saab 900?
Yes — 61 of 341 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “WHILE SHFTING IN AND OUT OF GEARS TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOT OF NOISE, USED CAR DEALER IS AVOIDING THE CONSUMER. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Saab 900?
Yes — 72 of 341 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE DUE TO OIL LEAK.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Saab 900?
Yes — 80 of 341 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “THIS SAAB WAS PURCHASED WITH EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AFTER CORRECTING MOST GROUNDING POINTS IT BURNED OUT THE WARM UP REGULATOR. WITH THAT OUT OF THE CIRCUT, THE FUELPUMP BEGAN TO VAPOR LOCK. R…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Saab 900 (1980–1998)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Saab 900 (1980–1998) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Saab 900 (1980–1998) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
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