The steering column shaft was incorrectly installed in the vehicle causing the column to be out of alignment.
Covers1995 Saab 900
Steering
Saab 900 Steering problems by year
9 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Saab 900's steering. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
Steering complaints by model year
Steering recalls
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...
Covers1986 Saab 900
Latest 900 steering complaints
I have been driving a 1998 900 saab since it was new. It had about 155,500 miles at the time of the incident described below. Recently, I was going to remove the front suspension uprights to replace the shock absorber inserts. After removing the wheel on the left hand side, I discovered that the "steering pivot arm" (a hollow clam-shell stamping welded to the upright) was so severely rusted out that I could actually slip my hand inside the arm. (Approximately, 1/2 of its total surface area was gone and fatigue...
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cracks were developing in the remaining portion.) The steering rack tie rod end attaches to this arm. To my knowledge all saab 900s from 1994-2000 were designed with this type of steering linkage that uses a rack mounted high on the front-of-dash, connected to the wheel via this pivot arm welded to the upright. Had this pivot arm broken while I was driving on the interstate, it would have been a catastrophic failure resulting in loss of steering control. I have done a lot of mechanical work to my vehicles over the years, but this shocked me so much that I didn't even trust driving the car the 45 minutes to the dealer. I ordered replacement parts from a reputable (saab only) savage dealer in new york state ($470) and replaced both lh & rh suspension uprights myself. I have returned the car to service. I have spoken to saab customer service (report #1-75588105) but they didn't seem to want to acknowledge the severity of the incident or how critical the integrity of this pivot arm is to controlling the car. They passed this off saying the car is out of warranty. Does steering control go out of warranty? I have saved the rusted components and have photographs available that were taken while the part was still mounted in the car. My fear is that there are probably others in the country with a similar problem.
1997 Saab 900 se turbo 2.0, Car began to stall, and would only restart once brought to a complete stop and the keys removed. Stalling continued randomly at high or low speeds. Very dangerous when it stalled at high speeds - the power steering cut out, power and abs brakes - it was as if the key had been removed and all power cut to the car.*Ak faulty ignition switch (electrical portion below keys) required replacement, stalling fixed. Car basically thought the keys were being removed (the electrical contacts...
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on the ignition switch were bad and would cut on and off). ~$400 After parts and labor to replace switch, had to be done immediatelly due to high risk of a dangerous failure at high speeds.
The experience leaking head gasket repeated problem. The engine overheating and brake problems. *Bf the brakes squealed when stopping, the windshield wipers, the passenger door was hard to close, the battery light had run bad, the heat operation was inoperative, there was an oil leak, seat cover left lower cracked, fluid leaked under the vehicle/overnight coolant leak, over heating while the vehicle was in motion, the turn signal assembly, leaking distributor seal, broken turn signal, at a certain position the...
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seat would not operate forward, the antenna would not properly retract, left fog light inoperable, driver side window front and rear for proper rubber alignment, leaking crank pulley seal, oil leak from the transmission, found a lack of fuel pressure, smoke was coming out of the tailpipe, the convertible top was wearing on the left and right side, there was a loose hose clamp in the power steering hose, the battery failed, one tail light was inoperative, the alternator belt was wrapped around the chassis, there was a squealing noise after start up, oil leaked through the valve cover, and the tank clutch leaked fluid. *Sc
FAILED AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. *AK
REMOTE ALARM SYSTEM FAILED. NLM
DIFFICULT STEERING VEHICLE.
A sudden acceleration was experienced, upon placing transmission into drive position, complete braking and steering was lost as a result. *Ak
Premature wear of ring & pinion gear; also, premature wear of front brake rotors; cruise control failure, causing vehicle to surge and cooling fan/thermostat failure. *Ak
Loss of steering control because cv joint breaking. Tt
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data