Model year guide

1987 Saab 900

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Saab 900 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1987 Saab 900 — representative photo
Representative photo

1987 Saab 900 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints11
Combined18–21 mpg

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

1987 Saab 900 recalls 2

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash NHTSA Campaign #88V173000 · 01/11/1988

WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).

Fix: INSTALL RUBBER PROTECTIVE STRIPS TO SHARP EDGES AND COMPLETELY ENCASE WIRE HARNESS IN A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC TUBE.

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.

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.

1987 Saab 900 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1987 Saab 900 MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,564
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume22 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,821 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 7 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 1987 Saab 900 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,820
Fuel only$17,820
Per mile$0.24

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.

1987 Saab 900 vehicles on record

1987 Saab 900 1987 Saab 900YS3AD55S3H3008693

Other Saab 900 model years

2001 1998 1997 1996 1995 1992 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1987 Saab 900 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Saab 900 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1987 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 1987 Saab 900?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are tires, engine and engine cooling, visibility.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Saab 900 get?

The 1987 Saab 900 has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (7 versions).

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