Most common 1998 Saab 900 problems
Share of the 24 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 →
1998 Saab 900 recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Static electricity can build up within the passenger-side air bag module and create enough of a charge to cause an inadvertent air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will install a front passenger-side air bag module grounding strap. Owner notification began September 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 1998 Saab 900:
Stop sale notice
See resume for details.
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.
Inadvertent air bag deployment
Alleged that the passenger-side frontal air bag deployed inadvertently without a frontal crash.
Defective water pump pulley
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What 1998 Saab 900 owners say
Air bags
Car started and driven approx 50 yards and then came to traffic light and stopped. Driver noticed that the SRS light on the display panel was illuminated at stop light. Passenger airbag deployed before car proceeded. Car driven to opposite side of street to park and assess situation. While car being driven across street, driver side airbag also deployed. No collision with and no tapping of another car occurred. Road conditions were dry and w/o debris. No rain was falling and no lighting or thunder was present. What appear to be first degrees burns were sustained on the lateral aspect of the right forearm and hand. No visible damage to eye or face.
Warm engine was restarted and car driven to intersection roughly 50 yards away. At stop light, SRS light became illuminated and then passenger side airbag deployed while car still stopped. Car then turned to go to other side of street to park. While car being driven crossing street, approx 5 MPH max, driver side airbag deployed. Road conditions were dry and clean, with no debris on road. Weather was good, with no rain, thunder or lightning present. Driver sustained superficial burns on lateral side of r forearm and hand. No apparent damage to face or eyes.
Electrical system
1998 Saab 900se convertible - has had a chronic problem 1yr+ of vehicle abruptly stalling when driving at any speed. Usually could be restarted after a minute, but now is difficult to re-start once it stalls. The vehicle stalls out on the highway as well and is difficult and dangerous to control when stalls. The dealership has tried to repair the vehicle multiple times 10+ returns; various parts have been adjusted and/or replaced. Sensors, main computer chip, rewiring, etc.. The problem still has not been fixed and is getting much worse. The vehicle is very unsafe to drive. There is only 59,000 miles this car and this should not be happening. The dealership is at a loss as what to do next. I have a car that can not be fixed and can not be driven as a result of this problem.
My 1998 Saab 900 se turbo convertible has 62,000 miles on it, and yet I've just had to replace the direct ignition cassette which completely failed -- thankfully I was still in the driveway when it conked out, this is ridiculously early in the life of the car according to my Saab specialist mechanic. I saw that the 2000 and 2002 model di cassettes were recalled but not the earlier models. Wondering if there's a way for redress.
1998 Saab 900 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Saab 900 a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 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 1998 Saab 900?
The air bags — 12 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (3) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Saab 900 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1998 Saab 900, the most recent from July 2, 2001 (frontal). 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 1998 Saab 900 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 15% 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.