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1994 Saab 900: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1994 Saab 900, most recently filed February 1998. Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 8campaigns 3 seat · 1 lighting · 1 vehicle speed control Source: NHTSA Complaints 44filed Owner reports, 1990–1999 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 21mpg combined $3,110/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.3 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1994 Saab 900. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 98V038000 Filed Feb 24, 1998

SAAB/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported92,505 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V038000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V046000 Filed Mar 21, 1997

SAAB/THROTTLE CONTROL

Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CORROSION AROUND THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE LEVER TO BIND.
Consequence
THIS BINDING CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE PLATE NOT RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS RELEASED AND A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ZINC-COATED THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER BUSHING WITH A NICKEL-COATED BUSHING AND BOLT.
Repair progress not yet reported52,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V046000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 95V068000 Filed Mar 29, 1995

POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:STANDARD:MANUAL

Power train · manual transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE REVERSE GEAR POSITION, REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, AND STILL HAVE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, OR, TO ACCIDENTLY DISENGAGE REVERSE BY STRIKING THE GEAR LEVER.
Consequence
IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE CAR CAN ROLL FROM ITS ORIGINAL PARKED POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE COMPONENTS AND COMPLETE A SPECIALLY DEVELOPED SERVICE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE THAT WILL ENSURE THAT WHEN THE SHIFT IS MOVED TO THE REVERSE POSITION, THE REVERSE GEAR IS ACTUALLY ENGAGED.
Repair progress not yet reported8,993 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 95V068000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V226000 Filed Nov 18, 1994

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:BUCKET:BACK REST

Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ONE OR MORE OF THE ARC WELDS CAN BE MISSING ON THE SEAT BACK FRAME RECLINER.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A SEAT BACK FALLING BACKWARDS UNDER A LOAD.
Remedy
BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS WILL BE INSPECTED WITH THE USE OF A HOOK TO PULL BACK THE SEAT BACK UPHOLSTERY. FOR ANY SEAT WITH MISSING WELDS, THE SEAT BACK FRAME/RECLINER WILL BE REPLACED.
Repair progress not yet reported10,584 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V226000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V174000 Filed Sep 14, 1994

STRUCTURE:DOOR ASSEMBLY:FRAME AND PANEL

Structure · body · door
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE TWO WELD POINTS IN THE REARWARD ATTACHMENT BRACKET FOR THE SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION BEAM IN THE REAR DOOR MAY BE OUT OF POSITION. IF THE WELDS ARE OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLES WILL NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 214, S5, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE REAR SEATS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE COLLISION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUPPORT BRACKETS AT THE SUPPORT WELD LOCATIONS.
Repair progress not yet reported9,814 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V174000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V127000 Filed Jul 8, 1994

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:TRACKS AND ANCHORS:FRONT SEAT:MAN

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
TWO TRIGGER SPRINGS MOUNTED TO THE FORE/AFT ADJUSTMENT LEVER DO NOT DEVELOP SUFFICIENT FORCE TO PROPERLY LOCK THE SEAT RAILS. AFTER THE SEAT IS ADJUSTED, THIS DOES NOT ALLOW THE SEAT RAIL LOCK TO PROPERLY ENGAGE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO MOVE IN A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION.
Consequence
THIS CAN INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE BOTH FRONT SEATS AND THE TWO SPRINGS ON EACH SEAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW SPRINGS WITH PROPER TENSION TO ENSURE PROPER ENGAGEMENT.
Repair progress not yet reported1,015 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V127000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V110000 Filed Jun 13, 1994

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:SEATS

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
A WELD IN THE SEAT RAILS WAS NOT MADE, INCREASING THE RISK OF FATIGUE CRACKS FORMING AROUND THE ATTACHMENT BUSHINGS ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, CAUSING THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HEIGHT ADJUSTER BREAKING IN A REAR END COLLISION AND ALLOWING THE SEAT TO FOLD BACKWARDS.
Consequence
THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT FRAME RAILS.
Repair progress not yet reported3,252 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V110000
Listed for 1994 Saab 900. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V074000 Filed Apr 16, 1994

BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:SHOE:DISC BRAKE SYSTEM

Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND/OR PADS SHIELDS DO NOT PROTECT THE ASSEMBLIES FROM BEING COATED WITH A LAYER OF SLUSH, ROAD SALT OR WATER WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW OR HEAVY RAIN. THIS CAN RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKING ACTION THAT INCREASES NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE.
Consequence
INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE SHIELDS WITH A NEW DESIGN. AN ADDITIONAL HOLE WILL BE DRILLED IN THE STEERING KING PIN HOUSING TO ATTACH A LARGER COVER PLATE. A SMALLER PROTECTION PLATE WILL ALSO BE ATTACHED TO THE EXISTING TWO BOLTS IN THE HUB.
Repair progress not yet reported7,443 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V074000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which 900 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Saab 900All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (44)

44 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.

3involved a crash
2involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 Saab 900, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 44.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1994 compares with other 900 years

Best and worst 900 years →
19 13 21 6 44 100 48 21 24 2
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999
This year (1994)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined

21
mpg combined
18
city
26
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,200
CO₂ tailpipe
423 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year

Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1994 Saab 900 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,200423
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19$3,550468
2.5 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550468
2.5 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19$3,550468

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1994 900 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All 900 years

Where to next

Which 900 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1995 Saab 900 report100 complaints · 7 campaigns →1993 Saab 900 report6 complaints · 0 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1994 Saab 900 FAQ

How many recalls does the 1994 Saab 900 have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 98V038000 (lighting), 97V046000 (vehicle speed control), 95V068000 (power train), 94V226000 (seat), 94V174000 (structure), 94V127000 (seat), 94V110000 (seat), 94V074000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1994 Saab 900 problems?

Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (14), Power train (10), Electrical system (9) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1994 Saab 900 get?

EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 18 city, 26 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1994 900 compare with other years?

Among the 1990–1999 Saab 900 model years at least five years old, the 1999 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 1995 the most (100). The 1994 drew 44. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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