- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the existing exhaust pipe bracket with one that attaches to the side of the transmission. The rear differential cover gasket will also be replaced, using screws instead of studs.
Vehicle safety record
1979 Saab 900 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1979 Saab 900 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (1) and the suspension (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 3 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in July 1983 for the automatic transmission. For comparison, the 1980 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 900 year, for its age
#6 most complained-about 1979 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1979 Saab 900 problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1979 Saab 900 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The insulation of the positive battery cable may possibly melt or become brittle due to the high temperatures which may be generated in the vicinity of the cable.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the "b+" cable (positive cable from starter), add protective sleeves over the starter wiring harness, and install a new heat guard for the battery, without charge.
- The problem
- Under certain conditions such as ambient humidity and vehicle pre-conditioning by repeated cold start, and short trip driving cycles in combination with sub-zero temperatures, there exists the possibility for ice to form in the throttle housing and temporarily impede full closure of the throttle plate when the accelerator is released. This ice build-up in the throttle housing may cause hesitation in vehicle deceleration and increased stopping distances.
- The fix
- The dealer will modify the engine intake system to further improve preheating of incoming air in cold weather. This will be done free of charge.
- The problem
- The headlamp relay may fail in such a way as to cause the headlamps to fail to switch from low to high beam (or vice versa) when the control switch is operated. Also, the headlamps may shut off intermittently or completely.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the headlamp relay, without charge to owner.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 1979 Saab 900
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
This is important: the rt pass seat belt did not hold my wife in a head on crash, and somebody removed the car from salvage yard quickly, inc co and yard owner did not know who took it before investigation could be made on belt failure..Suspect saab had it picked up in 7 days after accident...Wonder if this is a pattern where thay tried to hide wreck from investigation?
Consumer found fractures in rear arm of the lower control arm, indicating fatigue with age.
Saab 900: every year compared
All 900 yearsQuestions about the 1979 Saab 900
Does the 1979 Saab 900 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1979 Saab 900: automatic transmission (July 1983); cables (October 1979); vehicle speed control (September 1979); high / low beam dimmer switch (April 1979). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1979 Saab 900?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (1), suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 1979 Saab 900 had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 3, 1997 and the latest on February 25, 2001. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1979 Saab 900 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 45 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Saab 900 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Saab 900 years have the most complaints?
1995 (100), 1996 (48), 1994 (44). See every Saab 900 year compared.
What should I do if my 1979 Saab 900 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data