Saab 9000 Problems by Year

We compared every Saab 9000 model year from 1995–1997 using 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. No 9000 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 1997.

3model years
24complaints
1recalls
—worst years
1997best years

Complaints by model year

1995199619978106
Owner complaints per model year, Saab 9000. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
19976−24%1AccelerationAverage
1996101.2×—EngineAverage
19958typical—TransmissionAverage

* Complaints compared with the median 9000 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Saab 9000 problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 1996
    729%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1996
    521%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1997
    417%
  • Brakesworst: 1996
    417%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1996
    313%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1996
    313%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1995
    28%
  • Other / not specified
    28%
  • Lightsworst: 1996
    28%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1996
    28%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1996
    14%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 1996
    14%

Latest Saab 9000 recalls

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 98V-139 · Jun 23, 1998 · 39,313 vehicles

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.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Saab 9000 should you avoid?

None of the Saab 9000 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Saab 9000?

1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other 9000 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Saab 9000 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (7), transmission & drivetrain (5) and speed control & acceleration (4). Engine complaints peak in the 1996 model year.

How many recalls has the Saab 9000 had?

1 recall across 1995–1997. The model year with the most is 1997.

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.