Model year guide

1997 Saab 9000

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Saab 9000 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

1997 Saab 9000 — representative photo
Representative photo

1997 Saab 9000 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints6
Combined18–21 mpg

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

1997 Saab 9000 recalls 1

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #98V139000 · 23/06/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

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.

1997 Saab 9000 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Child Seat
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.

1997 Saab 9000 MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,470
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$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 1997 Saab 9000 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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
187.4–188.6 in
Width
70.1 in
Height
55.9 in
Wheelbase
105.1 in
Curb weight
3,142–3,252 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Saab 9000 — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 15

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. Showing the 10 most recent of 15.

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

Bulletin 2482035 · Nov 1998

INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE. *YC

Bulletin 97112498100 · Electrical System · May 1998

CONDITIONS WITH FRONT ROOF CONSOLE RATTLING ON CARS WITH SUNROOF. *YC

Bulletin 8121983 · Structure · May 1998

REVISIONS TO SERVICE MANUAL GROUP 6 FRONT ASSEMBLY, STEERING ON VEHICLES UP TO AND INCLUDING M97 VIN V1014201 TO VIN V1014202. *YC

Bulletin 6441954 · Steering · May 1998

CONDITION WITH HOOD ( BONNET ) WILL NOT OPEN. *YC

Bulletin 8011939 · Structure · Apr 1998

VEHICLES SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING. *YC

Bulletin 4711936 · Power Train · Apr 1998

TECHNICAL SERVICE BROADCAST ON SETTING DTC P0300 ON SOME MODELS. *TT

Bulletin 200 · Electrical System · Sep 1997

EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH CAC "ONE PIECE" HOSE. *YC

Bulletin 970923981816 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1997

SUBJECT ON LONG-TERM STORAGE OF HYBRID BATTERIES. *TT

Bulletin 3111773 · Electrical System · Sep 1997

VEHICLES EXPERIENCING NOISE AND VIBRATIONS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING 4-3 AND 3-2. *TT

Bulletin 4401762 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1997

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.

1997 Saab 9000 vehicles on record

1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CF48M8V1031047 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CG68M0V1024005 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CF65T1V1015828 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CC65T5W1004843 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CF65T9V1030223 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CE45M3V1008251 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CE45M9V1007637 1997 Saab 9000 1997 Saab 9000YS3CD65R5W1006058

Other Saab 9000 model years

1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986

1997 Saab 9000 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Saab 9000 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1997 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 1997 Saab 9000?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, engine and engine cooling, child seat.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Saab 9000 get?

The 1997 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.