- The problem
- Under certain conditions, a reverse current might flow through a wire cable between the air recirculation switch and a microswitch.
- The risk
- Heater fan resistor would overheat and smoke in thepassenger compartment heating system, causing discomfort and breathing hazardsto the driver and passengers.
- The fix
- Disconnect electrical wire cable and secure by tape around cable harness.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Saab 900 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1989 Saab 900 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (6) and the suspension (4). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 3 fires. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in June 1989 for the defroster / defogger / hvac system. For comparison, the 1988 has 13 and the 1990 has 19.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 900 year, for its age
#56 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Saab 900 problems
Share of all 22 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 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
- Fuel filter may not meet the specification concerning leakage criteria due to low temperature during the gluing process.
- The risk
- Fuel filter may leak creating a potential fire hazard.
- The fix
- REPLACE FUEL FILTER.
What owners say
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22 complaints about the 1989 Saab 900
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Alternator, carburetor, electrical system, draining of power ; no one has been able to pinpoint the problem, the auto has sat now for two years because I was tired of pouring money into it only to have it unable to repaired properly. *Jb
Right side passive seatbelt system failed motor caused shoulder belt key to go back and forth . Driver side did the same. Repair tech said that it was a short in the system and that it was commom with saabs with this type of safety belts. Cost of repair would be $650 did not repair had tech lock key in a fixed position.*Ak
FAILED AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. *AK
Driver's side control arm broke while parking vehicle. Replaced both driver- & passenger-side control arms as precaution. Mechanic has part & speculates design defect; has one from another saab hanging on wall as souvenir! Contact peter's zaab service, 415.456.0540.*Ak
Engine head gasket went, and cost about 1600 canadian. Manufacturer declined any assistance.*Ak
The dealer in little rock, ar. Indicated that this type of a problem is common because of the design of the lower control arm. Any problem that causes the driver to lose control of their vehicle is not common. Had I been travelling at freeway speeds I would have lost control and my family would be wondering what happend. Major suspension parts, such as the front left lower control arm, should not break. *Ak
Timing chain failed during normal operation at 35 mph causing engine to stall and $2400 in engine valve damage. Timing chain is not specificed as a normal replacement item.
Faulty brake light switch. Also, starter jammed into place, burned starter up.
The driver's and passenger's motorized shoulder seatbelts would not retract, resulting in both shoulder belts becoming inoperative. Will not protect the occupants in event of an accident. *Ak
Casing around transmission cracked, causing oil to leak out onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in an engine fire.
Computer box that controls motorbelts failed. (Ms)
Vehicle parked in garage , got in car started to back up and the body fell on the wheel well. Lower control arm had fractured from the frame. The weld was the actual fracture point. *Ak
While idling driver's seat position adjustment latch malfunctioned, caused seat to go backwards, resulting in an accident. *Ak
While driving, lower arm broke, caused vehicle to lurch to one side, vehicle became uncontrollable; speed 5 mph; few minutes before, was driving on highway at 65 mph, no accident. *Ak
Motorized seat belt will not stop, continues to slide up/down track.
Fuel pump failed, also replaced alternator, a/c compressor/back up lights/subroof cables.*Ak
Drivers motorbelt stuck in center of track, passengers motorbelt failed. *Dsh
Wiring harness under dash shorted, causing fire. (Attorney for client) *dh
FUEL PUMP FAILURE.
REPLACED RADIO ANTENNA.
In 1990 vehicle caught on fire in passenager compartment, possible due to default in heating system. Tt
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SD
Saab 900: every year compared
All 900 years1989 Saab 900 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Saab 900 | 22 | 2 | D | |
| 1989 Saab 9000 | 14 | 3 | F | 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 1989 Saab 900
Does the 1989 Saab 900 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1989 Saab 900: defroster / defogger / hvac system (June 1989); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (November 1988). 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 1989 Saab 900?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (6), suspension (4), electrical system (4).
How many complaints has the 1989 Saab 900 had?
22 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 17, 1995 and the latest on March 5, 2006. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Saab 900 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more 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 1989 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