Model year guide

1991 Saab 9000

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1991 Saab 9000 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1991 Saab 9000 — representative photo
Representative photo

1991 Saab 9000 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints9
Combined18–20 mpg

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

1991 Saab 9000 recalls 1

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #91V002000 · 02/10/1991

IMPROPER ASSEMBLY COULD CAUSE THE BALL OF THE GEAR SELECTOR ARM NOT TO BE PROPERLY FIXED TO THE SOCKET ON THE END OF THE GEAR SELECTOR CABLE; GEAR SELECTOR ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE GEAR SELECTOR CABLE AT THE BALL SOCKET JOINT.

Fix: PROPERLY SEAT GEAR SELECTOR ARM BALL IN THE SELECTOR CABLE SOCKET AND SECURE BY A LOCK RING INSIDE THE SOCKET.

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.

1991 Saab 9000 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
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.

1991 Saab 9000 MPG & running costs

Combined18–20 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,575
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume103 cu ft
Cargo volume24 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,875 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 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 1991 Saab 9000 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,875
Fuel only$17,875
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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
181.9 in
Width
71.3 in
Height
55.5 in
Wheelbase
105.1 in
Curb weight
3,031 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1991 Saab 9000. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE Closed

NHTSA #EA95020 · Electrical System · opened Jun 1995 · closed Jul 1996

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #PE95009 · Electrical System · opened Feb 1995 · closed Jun 1995

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 3

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

BACKGROUD INFORMATION IN DIAGNOSING A DRIVEABILITY COMPLAINT OR THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP COMING ON. *YC

Bulletin 2482035 · Nov 1998

ADJUSTMENT OF BEARING TENSION. *TW

Bulletin 01/970731 · Power Train · Jan 1997

ACC ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. *TW

Bulletin 01/950537 · Electrical System · Jan 1995

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 9000. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Saab 9000

The Saab 9000 is an automobile produced by the Swedish company Saab from 1984 to 1998. Representing the company's foray into the executive car scene, it was developed as a result of the successes of the turbocharged 99 and 900 models. The 9000 remained in production until May 1998 and was replaced by the 9-5 in late 1997, although some final cars were produced into 1998. The Saab 9000 was only available with petrol engines, in two different 5-door hatchback designs or as a 4-door notchback.

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

1991 Saab 9000 vehicles on record

1991 Saab 9000 1991 Saab 9000YS3CC55B9M1020252 1991 Saab 9000 1991 Saab 9000YS3CD55M1M1007865 1991 Saab 9000 1991 Saab 9000YS3CC45D4M1016363 1991 Saab 9000 1991 Saab 9000YS3CD45M3M1010423

Other Saab 9000 model years

1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986

1991 Saab 9000 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1991 Saab 9000 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1991 Saab 9000. 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 1991 Saab 9000?

Across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, power train.

What gas mileage does the 1991 Saab 9000 get?

The 1991 Saab 9000 has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

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