- The problem
- A problem relating to the front exhaust pipe bracket attachment could cause leaking of transmission oil. Transmission could lock up due to lack of proper oil lubrication.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the existing exhaust pipe bracket with one that attaches to the side of the transmission. The rear differential cover gasket will also be replaced, using screws instead of studs.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Saab 99 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Saab 99 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in July 1983 for the automatic transmission.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 99 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Saab 99 recalls 5
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
- Under certain conditions such as ambient humidity and vehicle pre-conditioning by repeated cold start, and short trip driving cycles in combination with sub-zero temperatures, there exists the possibility for ice to form in the throttle housing and temporarily impede full closure of the throttle plate when the accelerator is released. This ice build-up in the throttle housing may cause hesitation in vehicle deceleration and increased stopping distances.
- The fix
- The dealer will modify the engine intake system to further improve preheating of incoming air in cold weather. This will be done free of charge.
- The problem
- Insufficient clearance may exist between the fuel tank vent tube and vehicle floorpan where the tube projects through an access hole into the tool compartment under the trunk floor. Should the tube contact the lower edge of this opening, it could become damaged and fail at the point where it is soldered to the fuel tank. Fuel leakage could result, especially when the tank is nearly or completely full.
- The fix
- Dealer will enlarge the access hole in the floorpan to ensure proper clearance. If the vent tube is damaged, it will be repaired.
- The problem
- Insufficient clearance between the air/fuel mixing regulator and the throttle housing could allow the decel solenoid link arm on the throttle to contact the mixing regulator under certain extreme driving conditions. This would cause the engine to rock to the left on its mounting. Fully depressing the accelerator while making a sharp right turn at moderate to high speeds could cause such a contact to occur. Furthermore, movement of the throttle plate may momentarily be restricted during the time of contact between the link arm and mixing regulator.
- The fix
- The dealer will replace the link arm with a modified one to ensure sufficient clearance to the mixing regulator under all driving conditions. The position of the decel solenoid may also be readjusted if found necessary.
- The problem
- There is a possibility that the webbing near the metal tongue of the left half of the center rear seat belt may have been improperly sewn together.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect the center rear seat belt and, if necessary, replace it.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1978 Saab 99 yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Saab 99: every year compared
All 99 yearsQuestions about the 1978 Saab 99
Does the 1978 Saab 99 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1978 Saab 99: automatic transmission (July 1983); vehicle speed control (September 1979); emission control (September 1978); vehicle speed control (June 1978) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1978 Saab 99 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Saab 99 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 32 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Saab 99 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.
What should I do if my 1978 Saab 99 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