Model year guide

1998 Saab 9000

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Saab 9000 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1998 Saab 9000 — representative photo
Representative photo

1998 Saab 9000 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints1
Combined18–21 mpg

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

1998 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.

1998 Saab 9000 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1998 Saab 9000 MPG & running costs

Combined18–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,800
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$7,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 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 1998 Saab 9000 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,000
Fuel only$19,000
Per mile$0.25

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
70.1 in
Height
55.9 in
Wheelbase
105.1 in
Curb weight
3,131 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Saab 9000. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 7

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

RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION ON AFFIXING AIRBAG LABEL. *TT

Bulletin 8502006 · Equipment · Aug 1998

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

Bulletin 8121983 · Structure · 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

EXPERIENCING A RATTLE / PLAY NOISE FROM THE ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE FRONT SEATS. *YC

Bulletin 8521864 · Seats · Mar 1998

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

Bulletin 200 · Electrical System · 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.

1998 Saab 9000 vehicles on record

1998 Saab 9000 1998 Saab 9000YS3DE75N8W7055112

Other Saab 9000 model years

1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986

1998 Saab 9000 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Saab 9000 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1998 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 1998 Saab 9000?

Across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Saab 9000 get?

The 1998 Saab 9000 has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

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