- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- The fuel gauge transmitter will be inspected and replaced, if damaged.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Saab 900 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Saab 900 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 1984 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 1980 has 0 and the 1982 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical 900 year, for its age
#27 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Saab 900 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Saab 900 recalls 2
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
- 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.
- The fix
- A special wax lubricant will be sprayed into the buckle receptacle slot to remedy defect and prevent reoccurance. This will be done without charge to owner.
What owners say
Be the first 900 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1981 Saab 900
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Engine compartment fire due to oil leak.(Ohio state police report)
Saab 900: every year compared
All 900 yearsQuestions about the 1981 Saab 900
Does the 1981 Saab 900 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1981 Saab 900: fuel pump (February 1984); front (December 1981). 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 1981 Saab 900?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Saab 900 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 19, 1996 and the latest on November 19, 1996. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Saab 900 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 75 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than 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 1981 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