1992 Saab 9000 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1992 Saab 9000, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system518.5%
- Electrical414.8%
- Brakes311.1%
- Transmission311.1%
- Powertrain (other)311.1%
- Airbags27.4%
- Visibility27.4%
- Engine13.7%
- Seat belts13.7%
- Tires & wheels13.7%
- Driver assistance13.7%
- Exterior lighting13.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER A YEAR. IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED IN MY LIFE.. I HAVE HAD ABOUT SEVEN.. AND WOULD NEVER BUY A SAAB. THE TRANSMISSION WENT AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. TWO MONTHS AGO THE ABS BRAKES FAILS. THE STEERING IS MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP..ECT...EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR I FEEL LIKE IT'S A DEATH TRAP. THIS IS THE 9000 CD NON TURBO BY THE WAY...JUST THOUGHT I WOULD LET THE NEXT GUY KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME. I HAVE PUT ALMOST 5,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS ALREADY, I WILL BE LUCKY IF I CAN SELL THIS CAR FOR $500 BUCKS AND I HAVE HAD IT ONLY ONE YEAR. *JB
PLASTIC FUEL TANK SEVERE LEAK AT 2 INCH CRACK ON BOTTOM RIGHT REAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER A YEAR. IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED IN MY LIFE.. I HAVE HAD ABOUT SEVEN.. AND WOULD NEVER BUY A SAAB. THE TRANSMISSION WENT AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. TWO MONTHS AGO THE ABS BRAKES FAILS. THE STEERING IS MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP..ECT...EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR I FEEL LIKE IT'S A DEATH TRAP. THIS IS THE 9000 CD NON TURBO BY THE WAY...JUST THOUGHT I WOULD LET THE NEXT GUY KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME. I HAVE PUT ALMOST 5,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS ALREADY, I WILL BE LUCKY IF I CAN SELL THIS CAR FOR $500 BUCKS AND I HAVE HAD IT ONLY ONE YEAR. *JB
ETS SENDS CAR INTO LIMP HOME MODE MAKING CAR VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. BRAKING SYSTEM HYDRUALICS ARE CONTROLED BY THIS UNIT AND ARE LIMITED. CAR STICKS IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE. SAAB HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO RESOLVE IT. ABS HAS 4 SENSORS ON THIS MODEL 2 FRONT 2 REAR THE 2 IN THE REAR ARE HYDRAULIC AND HAS A PRESSURE SWITCH THE SWITCH GOES WHACKY AND GIVES FALSE READINGS..... THUS PUTTING MY ABS DUMBY LIGHT ON IN MY DASH. HAS A GAS PEDAL POTEINTIOMETER THAT IS VERY TEMPERMENTAL THUS GIVING BAD CODES AND CAUSING MY CAR TO GO HAYWIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ANY OTHER SPEED..... I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 55-60 MPH AND THE CAR AND ALL IT'S COMPONETS SHUT DOWN EXCEPT THE MOTOR I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO BRAKES OR STEERING THINKING MY CAR HAD STALLED AND IT WAS STILL IDLING . THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR AND IT'S COMPONENTS WERE MAD BADLY , I FEEL SAAB SHOULD PUT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL TCS COMPONENTS NOT JUST THE HYDRUALIC SWITCH. MY FIGHTINGS WITH SAAB ARE NO OVER AND I'M REPORTING TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY. THANKS FOR YOUR REVEIW OF THIS APPLICATION I HOPE TO HEAR FROM A ENGINEER AS SOON AS POSIBLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER A YEAR. IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED IN MY LIFE.. I HAVE HAD ABOUT SEVEN.. AND WOULD NEVER BUY A SAAB. THE TRANSMISSION WENT AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. TWO MONTHS AGO THE ABS BRAKES FAILS. THE STEERING IS MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP..ECT...EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR I FEEL LIKE IT'S A DEATH TRAP. THIS IS THE 9000 CD NON TURBO BY THE WAY...JUST THOUGHT I WOULD LET THE NEXT GUY KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME. I HAVE PUT ALMOST 5,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS ALREADY, I WILL BE LUCKY IF I CAN SELL THIS CAR FOR $500 BUCKS AND I HAVE HAD IT ONLY ONE YEAR. *JB
ETS SENDS CAR INTO LIMP HOME MODE MAKING CAR VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. BRAKING SYSTEM HYDRUALICS ARE CONTROLED BY THIS UNIT AND ARE LIMITED. CAR STICKS IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE. SAAB HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO RESOLVE IT. ABS HAS 4 SENSORS ON THIS MODEL 2 FRONT 2 REAR THE 2 IN THE REAR ARE HYDRAULIC AND HAS A PRESSURE SWITCH THE SWITCH GOES WHACKY AND GIVES FALSE READINGS..... THUS PUTTING MY ABS DUMBY LIGHT ON IN MY DASH. HAS A GAS PEDAL POTEINTIOMETER THAT IS VERY TEMPERMENTAL THUS GIVING BAD CODES AND CAUSING MY CAR TO GO HAYWIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ANY OTHER SPEED..... I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 55-60 MPH AND THE CAR AND ALL IT'S COMPONETS SHUT DOWN EXCEPT THE MOTOR I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO BRAKES OR STEERING THINKING MY CAR HAD STALLED AND IT WAS STILL IDLING . THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR AND IT'S COMPONENTS WERE MAD BADLY , I FEEL SAAB SHOULD PUT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL TCS COMPONENTS NOT JUST THE HYDRUALIC SWITCH. MY FIGHTINGS WITH SAAB ARE NO OVER AND I'M REPORTING TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY. THANKS FOR YOUR REVEIW OF THIS APPLICATION I HOPE TO HEAR FROM A ENGINEER AS SOON AS POSIBLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH, VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO TRACTION CONTROL ON DRY ROAD AND IT STOPPED. HAD TO RESTART. WHEN HAPPENED AGAIN, HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER DUE TO BEING STUCK IN TRACTION MODE. *AK
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED, VEHICLE ALMOST LOST CONTROL. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER A YEAR. IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED IN MY LIFE.. I HAVE HAD ABOUT SEVEN.. AND WOULD NEVER BUY A SAAB. THE TRANSMISSION WENT AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. TWO MONTHS AGO THE ABS BRAKES FAILS. THE STEERING IS MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP..ECT...EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR I FEEL LIKE IT'S A DEATH TRAP. THIS IS THE 9000 CD NON TURBO BY THE WAY...JUST THOUGHT I WOULD LET THE NEXT GUY KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME. I HAVE PUT ALMOST 5,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS ALREADY, I WILL BE LUCKY IF I CAN SELL THIS CAR FOR $500 BUCKS AND I HAVE HAD IT ONLY ONE YEAR. *JB
WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS RIGHT SIDE OF AXLE BROKE, MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A YEAR FOR RECALL REPAIR 99V109, DEALER IS WAITING ON PARTS. *SLC
RECALL 99V109000; RECALL REPAIRS ON VEHICLE WERE DONE. BUT AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM. ALSO OWNER HAD THE RECALL ITEM BEFORE THE RECALL CAME OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLIPS SECURING INSERTS TO WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE CAME OPEN ALLOWING BLADE TO SLIDE OUT OF HOLDER.
FUSES BLEW OUT. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED DUE TO OIL LEAK. *SD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE (WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND), THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT TENSIONER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (PART OF THE SRS SYSTEM) DETONATED. IT SOUNDED AS IF A FIRECRACKER EXPLODED IN MY EAR. I HAD NOT YET PUT ON THE SEATBELT, SO I WASN'T INJURED, BUT IT WILL COST $650 FOR A NEW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIRBAG/SRS SYSTEM HAS NEVER DEPLOYED BEFORE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS BLIZZAK WS-50 WINTER TIRES MANUFACTURED BY BRIDGESTONE AND PURCHASED NEW FROM "THE TIRE RACK" THESE TIRES HAVE NOT EXHIBITED A "FAILURE" IN THAT THEY HAVE NOT DEFALTED, BLOWN OUT, SHREDDED ETC.THE CONCERN WITH THESE TIRES IS THEIR HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS ON DRY PAVEMENT. THEY EXHIBIT EXTREME TREAD SQUIRM AND SIDEWALL FLEX. DURING CORNERING OR LANE CHANGES, THEY GIVE THE SENSATION THAT THEY WILL "TUCK UNDER" THE WHEEL RIM, LEADING TO A TIP OVER.THEY ARE AN EXTREMELY "SOFT" TIRE, WITH NO REASSURING FEELING OF SUPPORT IN THE SIDEWALL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED FOR SAKE OF COMPARISON THAT THE TWO PRIOR SETS OF WINTER TIRES ON THIS SAME VEHICLE WERE BRIDGESTONE WS-15 WHICH DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED NEGATIVE CHARACTERISTICS. I HAVE CONTACTED BRIDGESTONE BOTH BY PHONE AND CERTIFIED LETTER TO EFFECT A REPLACEMENT OF THESE TIRES, WITHOUT SUCCESS. I WILL MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION BOTH MY COPY OF THIS LETTER AND MY TELEPHONE CONVERSATION LOG IN THIS MATTER. THE VENDOR OFTHESE TIRES WAS "THE TIRE RACK". THIS ORGANIZATION MAINTAINS A WEB SITE BULLETIN BOARD FOR ITS CUSTOMERS TO POST COMMENTS REGARDING VARIOUS TIRES. I HAVE DOWNLOADED, PRINTED AND RETAINED SEVERAL CUSTOMER COMMENTS REGARDING THE NEGATIVE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE TIRES ON DRY PAVEMENT. I WILL ALSO MAKE MY VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR TEST DRIVE BY THE LOCAL NHSTA OFFICE IF NECESSARY.PLEASE ADVISE.*AK (TIRESIZE: 19565QR15)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ETS SENDS CAR INTO LIMP HOME MODE MAKING CAR VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. BRAKING SYSTEM HYDRUALICS ARE CONTROLED BY THIS UNIT AND ARE LIMITED. CAR STICKS IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE. SAAB HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO RESOLVE IT. ABS HAS 4 SENSORS ON THIS MODEL 2 FRONT 2 REAR THE 2 IN THE REAR ARE HYDRAULIC AND HAS A PRESSURE SWITCH THE SWITCH GOES WHACKY AND GIVES FALSE READINGS..... THUS PUTTING MY ABS DUMBY LIGHT ON IN MY DASH. HAS A GAS PEDAL POTEINTIOMETER THAT IS VERY TEMPERMENTAL THUS GIVING BAD CODES AND CAUSING MY CAR TO GO HAYWIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ANY OTHER SPEED..... I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 55-60 MPH AND THE CAR AND ALL IT'S COMPONETS SHUT DOWN EXCEPT THE MOTOR I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO BRAKES OR STEERING THINKING MY CAR HAD STALLED AND IT WAS STILL IDLING . THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR AND IT'S COMPONENTS WERE MAD BADLY , I FEEL SAAB SHOULD PUT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL TCS COMPONENTS NOT JUST THE HYDRUALIC SWITCH. MY FIGHTINGS WITH SAAB ARE NO OVER AND I'M REPORTING TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY. THANKS FOR YOUR REVEIW OF THIS APPLICATION I HOPE TO HEAR FROM A ENGINEER AS SOON AS POSIBLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUSES BLEW OUT. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .