Model year guide

1996 Saab 900

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Saab 900 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Saab 900 — representative photo
Representative photo

1996 Saab 900 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints66
Combined18–21 mpg

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

1996 Saab 900 recalls 3

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #98V038000 · 24/02/1998

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."

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #97V046000 · 21/03/1997

CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.

Seat Belts:front:anchorage NHTSA Campaign #96V077000 · 03/05/1996

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."

Fix: 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.

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.

1996 Saab 900 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 66 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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.

1996 Saab 900 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 Saab 900 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1996 Saab 900 MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,470
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,350 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 1996 Saab 900 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,350
Fuel only$17,350
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.

1996 Saab 900 vehicles on record

1996 Saab 900 1996 Saab 900YS3DD55J0V2008494

Other Saab 900 model years

2001 1998 1997 1995 1992 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1996 Saab 900 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Saab 900 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1996 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 1996 Saab 900?

Across all 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, power train, engine and engine cooling.

What is the 1996 Saab 900 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 Saab 900 crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Saab 900 get?

The 1996 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.