Most common 1997 Saab 900 problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saab 900 complaints by model year
Best 900 years: 1997, 1998. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Saab 900 recalls (3)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. This does not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. If an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.
Vehicle speed control
Corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1997 Saab 900:
New wheel bolts
saab issued a tsb informing dealers about a new wheel mounting bolt.If the issue is loosening of the lug nut, this could lead to bolt fatigue and the potential for a wheel separation.
Defective water pump pulley
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What 1997 Saab 900 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I am the original owner of a 1997 Saab 900s convertible - the clutch cable has broken 3 times in 3 years. Each time, I have been on the road only to have the cable snap and the clutch go all the way to the floor. On sept 8, 2004 - the cable broke for the 3rd time - my 5 year old and I were on the highway - narrowly escaping a major accident occuring. My import mechanic tells me that this is a known problem with the Saab manufacturer who attributes it to a poor design. Each fix is costing - $300 for labor and parts as well as the use of a rental car for 1 week because of a long delay in getting parts from the manufacturer. I am purchasing another car for the safety of myself and my child. However, I would like to keep my Saab (for sunny days) as well. Is Saab addressing this issue? …
Three times in the past year, the clutch cable on my car has broken. Thankfully, each time I was within four miles of my home. Without the ability to shift, I was required to attempt to drive home or to the service station with no stopping. Luckily, I was able to blow through stop signs and avoid traffic. I do not look forward to three months from now when the cable breaks again leaving me stranded in a less convenient location.
1997 Saab 900 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Saab 900 a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 900 rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 900 at the same age. It is one of the best 900 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Saab 900?
The transmission & drivetrain — 3 complaints, 14% of all complaints for this model year, most often about clutch assembly. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and seats (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Saab 900 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Saab 900, the most recent from June 23, 1998 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saab 900?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1996. See the full Saab 900 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Saab 900 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 111,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.