Recalls: Saab Mk.2 900
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Saab Mk.2 900
- In October 1995, a recall was issued for 1994 Saab 900 vehicles due to fatigue cracks in the height adjusting mechanism in the driver’s seat. In the event of a rear-end collision, the mechanism could break and the seat could fold rearward (PRA 1995/2606).
- In October 1995, a recall was issued for 1994 and 1995 Saab 900 vehicles due to the risk of an omitted arc weld in the seat back frame for the front seats (PRA 1995/2607).
- In October 1995, a recall was issued for Saab 900 vehicles due to the risk that reverse gear may not be engaged when the ignition key is in its locked position (PRA 1995/2608).
- In April 1997, a recall was issued for 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 Saab 900 vehicles due to the throttle housing potentially corroding as a result of the throttle plate not returning to its fully closed position (PRA 1997/3139).
- In July 2001, a recall was issued for 1998 model year Saab 900 vehicles. Under extreme circumstances, the passenger airbag in these vehicles could deploy due to static electricity (PRA 2001/4814).
- In December 2002, a recall was issued for 1995 Saab 900 vehicles due to the electronic control unit (ECU) potentially short-circuiting due to high humidity – this could result in the unintended deployment of the airbags (PRA 2002/5857).
Problems and faults: Saab Mk.2 900
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Saab Mk.2 900
- In early models, the front suspension was susceptible vibration problems due to imperfect steel rims and design flaws. In mid-1995, a front suspension upgrade changed the position of the stanchion arms and sway bar connections to the control arms – upgrade kits are available for earlier models.
- The air conditioning evaporator and heater core were positioned closely to one another – this could result in condensation dripping onto the front passenger floor. To fix, a screen could be inserted between the evaporator and the core.
- For the 2.5-litre V6 engine, the timing cover seal could get pulled into the belt area and cause the engine to jump time (i.e. the camshafts and crankshaft are no longer synchronised). As a result, the valves would bend and the piston ring lands would get crushed. If this occurred, the engine would need to be replaced.
- Due to a faulty cooling fan relay, the electric cooling fan may not turn off – this commonly results in a dead battery. The fan is only supposed to run for up to ten minutes after the engine is turned off.
- If the air conditioning blower stops working, the control unit may have failed.
- The turbo bypass valve is secured with plastic clamps – if these break, the vehicle may be hard to start and drive poorly.
- If the engine stumbles, stalls or hesitates in the first minute after start-up, the engine-control computer may need to be replaced.
- For models with manual transmissions, the gear-selector shaft seal is prone to leaking.
- Scratches or microscopic cracks in the rear-window heater grid may cause interference with the radio when the rear demister is turned on.
