- The problem
- The fuel hose between the pressure regulator and the injector fuel rail may rupture due to stress.
- The risk
- This could result in a fuel leak and possibly a fire.
- The fix
- Replace fuel hose with new preformed plastic hose.
Vehicle safety record
1986 Saab 900 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 1986 Saab 900 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (3) and the engine & cooling (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 3 fires. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 1987 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1985 has 5 and the 1987 has 4.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 900 year, for its age
#57 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 Saab 900 problems
Share of all 9 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 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
- 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 steering shaft to pull out of the joint and result in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.
- The fix
- REPLACE AND PROPERLY TORQUE BOLT.
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
9 complaints about the 1986 Saab 900
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
My 1986 , 8 valve, 2.0 Liter saab 900 stalls out in hot weather and will not restart unless at least 15 minutes have passed. I have replaced the fuel filter,distributor cap, ignition coil, spark plugs, and the problem still exists. *Ak
I am aware of the tire recall and questions about other manufacturers. I purchased a saab in 1986 equipped with pirelli tires. All four of the tire treads separated within 15,000, including one incident at 65 mph. I sent one fo the tires back to pirelli for examination. They claimed there was no mnaufacturing flaw that caused the separation. There is absolutely no way 4 new tires with less than 15,000 miles could all separate without a defect. I realize this is an old complaint but I think it is important to know that other tire companies are also producing shoddy tires.( Dot number: )
When driving at 65 mph there was noise coming from the steering column, and when applying the brakes, consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the brakes. Also, battery kept going dead/ air conditioning went out/the temperature gauge stopped working/brake pads wore out and replaced four times/ spare tire kept getting a flat/control unit had to be replaced four times/ replaced a crack in exhaust system, as well as other parts in the vehicle.*Ak
VEHICLE ENGINE FIRE.
The consumer was hit in the rear and the drivers seat reclined backwards. Please describe.
WHEEL BEARING REPAIRED DUE TO FAILURE. *SD
Catalytic converter overheated wiring and sent smoke into passenger compartment. Tt
While driving windows failed, indicator light came on then stopped. Head lights went out and other failures. Please describe details. Tt
Vehicle fire/explosion, caused by possible leak of gasoline. *Skd
Saab 900: every year compared
All 900 years1986 Saab 900 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Saab 900 | 9 | 2 | C | |
| 1986 Saab 9000 | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 Saab 900
Does the 1986 Saab 900 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1986 Saab 900: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (February 1987); steering wheel / handle bar (April 1986). 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 1986 Saab 900?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (3), engine & cooling (3), fuel system (2).
How many complaints has the 1986 Saab 900 had?
9 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 18, 1994 and the latest on September 1, 2003. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 Saab 900 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 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 1986 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