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Saab 900 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Saab 900 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
23
Years to Avoid
1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
Best Years
2000, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1978
2000Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls
1999
4 complaints0 recalls3 invest.1 TSBs
1998Avoid
26 complaints3 recalls4 invest.31 TSBs
1997Avoid
27 complaints3 recalls2 invest.43 TSBs
1996Avoid
78 complaints3 recalls2 invest.46 TSBs
1995Avoid
159 complaints7 recalls2 invest.50 TSBs
1994Avoid
88 complaints8 recalls3 invest.46 TSBs
1993
8 complaints0 recalls1 invest.2 TSBs
1992
25 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
1991
15 complaints0 recalls1 invest.1 TSBs
1990
21 complaints0 recalls2 invest.1 TSBs
1989
34 complaints2 recalls1 TSBs
1988
18 complaints2 recalls2 invest.1 TSBs
1987
12 complaints2 recalls
1986
18 complaints2 recalls
1985Best Year
5 complaints1 recalls
1984
4 complaints1 recalls2 invest.
1983Best Year
2 complaints1 recalls
1982Best Year
1 complaints1 recalls
1981
1 complaints2 recalls
1980Best Year
0 complaints2 recalls
1979
2 complaints4 recalls
1978Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Saab 900 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 Saab 900 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Saab 900, consider the 2000, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1978 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

23 model years analyzed