Model year guide

1986 Saab 900

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Saab 900 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1986 Saab 900 — representative photo
Representative photo

1986 Saab 900 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints12
Combined18–21 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1986 Saab 900 recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #87V013000 · 10/02/1987

THE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL MAY RUPTURE DUE TO STRESS.

Fix: REPLACE FUEL HOSE WITH NEW PREFORMED PLASTIC HOSE.

Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar NHTSA Campaign #86V057000 · 28/04/1986

THE BOLT IN THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TORQUED AND MAY BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN U-JOINT CLAMP MAY ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFT TO PULL OUT OF THE JOINT AND RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLY AN ACCIDENT.

Fix: REPLACE AND PROPERLY TORQUE BOLT.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1986 Saab 900 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Other
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

1986 Saab 900 MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,500
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume110 cu ft
Cargo volume22 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1986 Saab 900 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,500
Fuel only$17,500
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1986 Saab 900. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

On certain Saab 900S and 900 turbo, the fuel hose between the pressure regulator and the injector fuel rail may rupture due to stress resulting in a fuel leak and possible fire. Correction: A new plastic fuel hose with an outer casing of rubber will be installed.

Transport Canada #1987024 · Feb 1987

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Saab 900

The Saab 900 is a compact car respectively mid-sized automobile produced by Swedish manufacturer Saab from 1978 until 1998 in two generations: the first from 1978 to 1993, and the second from 1993 to 1998.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1986 Saab 900 vehicles on record

1986 Saab 900 1986 Saab 900YS3BA25C4G6007442 1986 Saab 900 1986 Saab 900YS3AB35J263006952 1986 Saab 900YS3BA25CXG6003248

Other Saab 900 model years

2001 1998 1997 1996 1995 1992 1987 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1986 Saab 900 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Saab 900 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1986 Saab 900. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Saab 900?

Across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, fuel system.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Saab 900 get?

The 1986 Saab 900 has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.