Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Saab 900 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1995 Saab 900. The contact stated that the vehicle would roll backwards and forwards numerous times unless the parking brake was applied. While in a parking lot, the vehicle rolled backwards into an intersection and struck a stop sign. She has taken the vehicle to the dealer approximately six times, however, they were unable to determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 95V068000 (power train:manual transmission), although her vehicle was experiencing the same failure. The failure mileage was 150 and current mileage was 118,000. Updated 12/12/2007 the consumer stated it is impossible to move the shift lever into the reverse gear position, remove the key from the ignition and still have the transmission in neutral. Updated 12/12/07
NHTSA id#: 95V068000 recall issued 3/20/95 for manufacturing dates aug 1993 - sep 1994 was determined not to be applicable for my car, [redacted] but it should have applicable because the result of the defect is exactly what happened to my car. Additionally, NHTSA id#: 95vo68000 should have been applicable because NHTSA id#95V066000 issued 3/20/94 for manufacturing dated July 1994 - dec 1994 was applicable. A mistake was made. NHTSA id#: 95V068000 should have included my car because my car rolled from its original parked position after moving the gear into the reverse position and removing the ignition key. My car is totaled. But it was not my fault. It was parked on a flat service in my garage. There is no other damage but I do not want this to be considered "my fault" and I want my deductible. …
Tl contact owns a 1995 Saab 900. The contact stated that when the reverse gear is engaged, the transmission shifts out of gear. The contact took the vehicle to the repair shop to have the gear repaired, but the mechanic was unable to remedy the failure. The contact found recall # 95V068000 (power train:manual transmission). The manufacturer stated that his VIN is not covered by the recall and they could not help. The contact is experiencing the same failure as noted in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 151,000. The consumer stated received a ticket and summons for parking on the sidewalk, the consumer stated the car behind him tapped his car and the vehicle slipped out of gear and rolled onto the sidewalk. The consumer provided a copy of the recall pertaining to his defect, however the dealer stated the VIN number does not apply to the recall. Updated 07/18/07
Tl contact owns a 1995 Saab 900. The contact stated that it is possible to move the shift lever into reverse while the key is removed from the ignition and the transmission is still in neutral. He can also accidentally disengage the reverse gear by striking the gear lever. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 95V068000 (power train:manual transmission); therefore, they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 130,000. Updated 10-30-08 the consumer stated the gear box was bad. Updated 10/31/08.
Dt:contact states: when he shifing his car it is possible to move the shift lever into the reverse gear, remove the key, and still have ransmission in neutral or to accidentally disengage reverse by striking the gear lever. This happened about 10 times , making the car roll. He has cited a recall # 95V068000 which was the exact same thing car was doing. He called the manufacturer and they told him this vehicle wasa not involved in recall due to VIN. He has spoken to h mechanic and described what the car was doing ,and the mechanic said h that the remedy listed on the recall would fix the problem.
NHTSA recall bulletin model 95 Saab 900 campaign no.95V068000 spoke to Saab at 800 955 900 (file#14566) on 5/12 after car was diagnosed by sports and specialist a Saab dealer in princeton nj .the written invoice #13983 statesar will need new shifter linkage and clutch customer declined both Saab corporate and the dealer insist there is no recall camp. Yet your bulletin explains the exact problem the consequences the corrective action. I would appreceiate action to be taken by the NHTSA quickly since I have been without a car for 2 months. Thank you m goldenberg
I am contacting you regarding Saab cars USA inability to notify me of a timing belt recall relating to certain pulleys. Pursuant to a conversation with mr. Grant hessman of Saab cars USA (Saab complaint # 1-57069705), I was notified that Saab will not pay for the part now that it has been brought to my attention by the dealer since my car has gone over the Saab imposed mileage limit. It is my intention to determine why Saab will not pay for this problem since it is their engineering problem and their inability to notify me of this problem. The car was purchased brand new and I have taken it to authorized Saab dealers for maintenance since I purchased the car, which was confirmed by mr. Hessman. It is disturbing that Saab can view recent maintenance information yet claim they don't have access to my mailing address that has been in effect for 6 years. …
I own a 1995 Saab 900 se with a mannual transmission. I would guess as a saftey feature, this vehicle requires the shift lever to be in the reverse position to remove the key. This insures that the vehicle does not move when not occupied if the parking brake has not been engaged. On my vehicle the shift lever can be in the reverse position and the key removed, but the reverse gear is never actually engaged or can be easily moved out of reverse. The first time I noticed this problem was when I found my vehicle had rolled forward and was resting against the bumper of the vehicle in front of it. The second time I noticed this problem was when I closed the hood, heard a click sound and found my vehicle rolling forward towards me. The vehicle came to rest 30 feet away at the bottom of small slope about 5 feet from the neighbors house. …
Stopped car at gas station, placed shifter in reverse position (supposed to be necessary in order to remove key), applied parking brake, took key out of lock, got out of car to pump gas. As I walked around the car to get to the gas pump, the car began to roll forward with my 6 yr old child in the back seat. I ran after the car and was able to open the door, jump in, and stop it, before it hit a truck which was parked at the gas station. The car is designed so that the shifter must be in reverse in order to remove the key. However, occasionally the key can be removed when the shifter is in the reverse position but the reverse gear is not engaged. This problem has been "adjusted" twice. It continues to recur. It is a safety issue which should be fixed or disabled. The problem was compounded by the fact that the parking brake did not keep the car from rolling.
I experienced a catastrophic manual transmission failure at 38,324 miles. The cause was a seized bearing/bushing that subsequently caused the clutch cable to break when I attempted to shift gears (I was accelerating away from a stoplight on nj state highway 46e at time of failure). Repair cost was ~$1K, but upon complaining, the dealership provided the parts ( goodwill ) and I paid the labor: $600 out-of-pocket. Their receipt copy indicated that the parts were being reported as a warranty repair.
Related recalls
Power train › Manual transmission
It is possible to move the shift lever into the reverse gear position, remove the ignition key, and still have the transmission in neutral, or, to accidently disengage reverse by striking the gear lever.
Remedy: Dealers will replace transmission linkage components and complete a specially developed service adjustment procedure that will ensure that when the shift is moved to the reverse position, the reverse gear is actually…
Transmission complaints in other 900 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Saab 900?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Saab 900, 21% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Saab 900 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 95V-068 (manual transmission, Mar 29, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Saab 900 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.