Model year guide

1993 Saab 9000

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1993 Saab 9000 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

1993 Saab 9000 — representative photo
Representative photo

1993 Saab 9000 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints31
Combined18–21 mpg

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

1993 Saab 9000 recalls 5

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #99V109000 · 06/05/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MOISTURE CAN ENTER THE AIR BAG INFLATABLE RESTRAINT ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND CAUSE CORROSION ON PORTIONS OF THE ECM PRINTER CIRCUIT BOARDS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE EXTERIOR OF THE ECM. IF THERE IS NO INDICATION OF MOISTURE, A COVER WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE ECM. IF THERE IS INDICATION OF MOISTURE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ECM AND INSTALL A COVER OVER THE NEW ECM.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #95V067000 · 29/03/1995

MOISTURE CAN FOLLOW THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ENTER THE PRESSURE SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSING CORROSION AND MALFUNCTION OF THE SWITCH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO THE ABS PRESSURE SWITCH TERMINALS FOR CORROSION AND INSTALL A SHRINK HOSE TO THE WIRING HARNESS TO AVOID MOISTURE ENTERING THE CONNECTION. PRESSURE SWITCHES WITH CORRODED CONNECTORS WILL BE REPLACED.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System NHTSA Campaign #94V126000 · 08/07/1994

DURING LOW ENERGY FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISIONS, THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CAN CONTACT THE METAL TUBING PORTION OF THE COOLER HOSE ASSEMBLY; AND/OR THE HOSE ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK AND LEAK OIL ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR THE TURBOCHARGER.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER WHICH WILL PROTECT THE COOLER AND HOSES FROM OTHER STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN LOW ENERGY FRONT IMPACTS.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #94V108000 · 09/06/1994

A NUMBER OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES HAVE AN OVAL-SHAPED PISTON WHICH CAN GET STUCK UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. OTHER SWITCHES WERE MOUNTED SO THAT BOTH LOCKING TABS ARE NOT COMPLETELY ENGAGED IN THE MOUNTING BRACKET. IF ONE SIDE IS NOT ENGAGED, THE SWITCH IS MISALIGNED WITH THE PEDAL MECHANISM AND CAN BIND THE PISTON MOVEMENT, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TO STICK IN THE "OFF" OR "ON" POSITION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES. FOR VEHICLES WITH THE OVAL-SHAPED PISTON AND FOR VEHICLES WITH MISALIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #94V029000 · 03/02/1994

THE FUEL FILLER AND TANK VENTILATION HOSES MAY DEVELOP CRACKS UNDER THE SECURING HOSE CLAMPS, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.

Fix: THE FUEL FILLER AND FUEL VENTILATION HOSES WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW HOSES. THE FIVE SECURING HOSE CLAMPS WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW TYPE WITH A SHIELD THAT PREVENTS DAMAGE TO THE HOSE WHEN TIGHTENED.

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.

1993 Saab 9000 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1993 Saab 9000 safety ratings

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

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1993 Saab 9000CS 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1993 Saab 9000 MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,640
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume99 cu ft
Cargo volume24 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,200 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 1993 Saab 9000 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,200
Fuel only$18,200
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
187.4 in
Width
69.3 in
Height
55.9 in
Wheelbase
105.1 in
Curb weight
3,111 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1993 Saab 9000. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

AUDIO SYSTEM FIRES Closed

SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.

NHTSA #SQ98006 · Electrical System · opened Apr 1998 · closed May 1998

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 8

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.

COMPLAINT OF NO START, STALLING OR POOR DRIVEABILITY WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND TRACTION CONTROL. *YC

Bulletin 248 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1998

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

Bulletin 2482035 · Nov 1998

NEW METHOD OF PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT. *JD

Bulletin 471 · Power Train · Jan 1997

ADJUSTMENT OF BEARING TENSION. *TW

Bulletin 01/970731 · Power Train · Jan 1997

REPLACEMENT OF A/C HOSE. *SD

Bulletin 11/950640 · Equipment · Nov 1995

CORRECTING COMPLAINTS OF POOR DEFOGGING ON REAR WINDOW. *TW

Bulletin 03/950557 · Electrical System · Mar 1995

ACC ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. *TW

Bulletin 01/950537 · Electrical System · Jan 1995

IMPROVED CONNECTION (MARMON TYPE) BETWEEN THE TURBO CHARGER OUTLET AND AND THE INLET PIPE GOING INTO THE CHARGE AIR COOLER. *TW

Bulletin BCM9300005 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1993

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.

1993 Saab 9000 vehicles on record

Other Saab 9000 model years

1993 Saab 9000 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1993 Saab 9000 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1993 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 1993 Saab 9000?

Across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine and engine cooling, fuel system.

What is the 1993 Saab 9000 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1993 Saab 9000 crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1993 Saab 9000 get?

The 1993 Saab 9000 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.