- The problem
- Abrasion on the printed circuit card in the combination neutral safety/backup lamp switch operated by the automatic transmission gear selector may cause residue to collect in electrical area on the circuit card.
- The risk
- This could cause overheating of the switch assembly withsmoke and possibly a fire in the center console area.
- The fix
- Add an electrical circuit, including a relay, to the backup lamp circuit to reduce the current that can flow through the combination switch.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Saab 9000 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1990 Saab 9000 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (3) and the transmission & drivetrain (2). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 1990 for the switch. For comparison, the 1989 has 14 and the 1991 has 8.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 9000 year, for its age
#133 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Saab 9000 problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Saab 9000 recalls 1
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
What owners say
Be the first 9000 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
7 complaints about the 1990 Saab 9000
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Vehicle will occasionally be hard to start, when does start it misses until revved to clear up. Tune ups are performed at recommended mileage. My car is a 1990, first year for saab direct ignition. Replaced ignition cassette less than 30,000 miles ago, starting to go out again. During my ownership I have replaced the direct ignition twice, I have owned the car approx 8 years. I feel all owners of vehicles equipped with this part should be reimbursed. I used to be saab tech and these modules go out way too often and are expensive to replace . *Tr
NO SUMMARY
The abs warning light illuminated, indicating malfunction within the system. Please give any further details. *Ak
When applying the abs brakes the brake pedal becomes hard and the light comes on, but it has not affected the braking of the vehicle just yet. *Ak
The abs light continues to come on, and the brake pedal gets really hard when it does and the brakes do operate. *Ak
The transmission was replaced two times purchase car new only can drive in reverse . Tt
Caught on fire in the garage from under the hood from the wiring harness. Please describe. Tt
Saab 9000: every year compared
All 9000 years1990 Saab 9000 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Saab 9000 | 7 | 1 | C | |
| 1990 Saab 900 | 19 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Saab Saab | 1 | 0 | B | 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 1990 Saab 9000
Does the 1990 Saab 9000 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1990 Saab 9000: switch (November 1990). 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 1990 Saab 9000?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (3), transmission & drivetrain (2), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 Saab 9000 had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 1, 1995 and the latest on October 21, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Saab 9000 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 53 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Saab 9000 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 9000 years have the most complaints?
1993 (30), 1992 (19), 1994 (15). See every Saab 9000 year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Saab 9000 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