Total Complaints
23 filings
SAAB 9000 · model year
1996 SAAB 9000
23 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1996SAAB9000 carries 23 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1996 9000 is power train:automatic transmission with 3 filings, followed by seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler (2) and engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 1996 9000. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
23
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:UNIT | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20060914ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED THEN THE ALARM ACTIVATED. AFTER DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A MECHANIC.
Mileage: 118,000
20040709LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
I HAVE REPLACED THREE LOCKING ACTUATORS (DRIVER'S DOOR, LEFT PASSENGER'S DOOR, AND THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER'S DOOR) SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY CAR IN 1997. OF COURSE ALL THIS HAPPEN AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. PRESENTLY, I HAVE ONE DOOR LOCK THAT CAN BE OPENED WITH THE KEY KNOBE AND ON THE CONSOLE WHERE THE LOCK SWITCH IS LOCATED. IN TALKING WITH THE SAAB DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT I PROBABLY NEED THESE ACTUATORS WOULD PROBABLY COST ME APPROXIMATELY $300 EACH (A TOTAL OF $900) TO REPLACE. I FEEL THAT SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR ALL THREE (SO FAR) NOT TO BE WORKING. I HAVE NOT HAD THEM REPLACED YET BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. GALE E. MOORER - 7/9/04. *AK
20040319CrashFireELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
1996 SAAB 9000 AERO REAR-ENDED AN IZUZU RODEO. DAMAGE TO THE RODEO WAS ALMOST UNNOTICEABLE. SAAB ENGINE HOWEVER ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A FACTORY CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO FIRE HAD SERVICED SAAB. RESPONSE FROM SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE - THE ISSUE DID NOT CONCERN SAAB AND WAS BETWEEN MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ME. WAS TOLD BY SAAB THAT INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD SUBROGATE THE CLAIM IF THEY THOUGHT IT WAS WORTHWHILE. INSURANCE COMPANY (METLIFE) COMMENTED THAT LOSS WAS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO PURSUE SUBROGATION. OBSERVED NO CONCERN THAT A PROBLEM COULD EXIST AND RAN INTO COMPLETE DENIAL OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY. CONCERN IS HOW AND WHY IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES WILL OTHERS BE IN DANGER OF A LIKE HAZARD. INCIDENT IS WELL DOCUMENT VIA DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS ALONG WITH EXTENSIVE DETAIL FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH SAAB.*AK
Mileage: 110,000
20040319CrashFireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
1996 SAAB 9000 AERO REAR-ENDED AN IZUZU RODEO. DAMAGE TO THE RODEO WAS ALMOST UNNOTICEABLE. SAAB ENGINE HOWEVER ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A FACTORY CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO FIRE HAD SERVICED SAAB. RESPONSE FROM SAAB CUSTOMER SERVICE - THE ISSUE DID NOT CONCERN SAAB AND WAS BETWEEN MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ME. WAS TOLD BY SAAB THAT INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD SUBROGATE THE CLAIM IF THEY THOUGHT IT WAS WORTHWHILE. INSURANCE COMPANY (METLIFE) COMMENTED THAT LOSS WAS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO PURSUE SUBROGATION. OBSERVED NO CONCERN THAT A PROBLEM COULD EXIST AND RAN INTO COMPLETE DENIAL OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY. CONCERN IS HOW AND WHY IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES WILL OTHERS BE IN DANGER OF A LIKE HAZARD. INCIDENT IS WELL DOCUMENT VIA DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS ALONG WITH EXTENSIVE DETAIL FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH SAAB.*AK
Mileage: 110,000
20030826POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FAULTY VEHICLE TRANSMISSION IN 1996 SAAB 9000.*MR THE REPLACED TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER HAVING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE MANUALLY. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INTERNAL WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, IT STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. *PH
Mileage: 55,000
20030814SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030814SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030814ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030814ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030814VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030814EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:UNIT
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030814POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *PH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO A WORN OUT OIL PUMP(THE FLUID WAS BURNED), AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY (HAD TO DRIVE BACK MANUALLY/THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL PROBLEM), THE VEHICLE STAYED IN FOURTH GEAR, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD WORN OUT. *SCC. THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED SOMETHING WITHIN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT INCORRECTLY TO CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK, AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20030718ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN MANUALLY AND STAYED IN 4TH GEAR. THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT, THE HAZARDS DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS HOT, BUT WORKED WITH THE A/C IT DID NOT WORK. *SCC THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT AND PULLEYS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, THE SEAT HEATER LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE OIL PUMP WAS WORN OUT *JB
Mileage: 55,000
20020515SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME APART. IT IS HELD ON TO THE BELT BY A LEAD PIN. THAT PIN CAME LOOSE. THE BELT IS NO LONGER USEABLE. IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. A CHILD WAS STRAPPED IN AT THE TIME AND THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE SEAT BELT AND LATCH WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. I AM CONCERNED THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS NOT SAFE.*AK
Compare 1996SAAB9000 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1996 SAAB 9000 have?▼
The 1996 SAAB 9000 has 23 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 SAAB 9000?▼
The most-complained component for the 1996 SAAB 9000 is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE.
Is the 1996 SAAB 9000 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.