1996 Saab 900
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 11 of 48 complaints (23%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 100 in 1995 to 48 in 1996.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | vs. 1996 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–3,300 | 2,950–3,450 | 2,950–3,300 | 2,850–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–21 | 18–21 | 19–21 | 19–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–18 / 23–26 | 15–18 / 23–26 | 16–18 / 23–26 | 17–20 / 23–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–468 | 423–494 | 423–468 | 404–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 100 | 48 | 21 | 24 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Saab 900 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1996 Saab 900?
Electrical: 11 of 48 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Saab 900 get?
EPA rates it 18–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1996 Saab 900?
EPA estimates $2,950–$3,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $3,450 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $3,450 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 11 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 98V038000 · Feb 27, 1998
Defect: 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."
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.
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 · Campaign 97V046000 · Mar 25, 1997
Defect: CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
Consequence: THIS BINDING CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE PLATE NOT RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS RELEASED AND A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · Campaign 96V077000 · May 8, 1996
Defect: DURING STATIC TESTING OF BELT ANCHORAGE POINTS, THE OUTBOARD ATTACHMENT PLATE BEING USED IN THE TESTING DEFORMED AND DETACHED FROM THE SEAT ANCHORAGE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES" AND NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE BELT MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES FOR THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE. ANY ASSEMBLY WITH DATE YEAR 96 WEEK 10 DAY 2 WILL BE REPLACED.