Battery drain and no-start mentions
1 mentions · 7.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
Matching rule
\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\bU.S. public vehicle records
1988 Saab 900: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1988 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 13 complaints (15.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 23.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 7.7% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 7.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 1 |
Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable: 2; Power Train: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
1995: 3; 1996: 5; 1997: 1; 1998: 1; 1999: 1; 2000: 1; 2001: 1
Pattern summary
Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 481225 · 1995-02-13 (February 13, 1995)
LOCATION OF DEFROSTER VENTS PREVENT WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING ENTIRELY. *SKD
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481225 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 481590 · 1995-02-20 (February 20, 1995)
INTERMITTENT STALLING, ALSO VEHICLE WON'T START. *SKD
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481590 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 509766 · 1996-10-15 (October 15, 1996)
PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 509766 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 510318 · 1996-10-21 (October 21, 1996)
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 510318 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 511247 · 1996-11-08 (November 8, 1996)
HEAT SHIELD THAT PROTECTED THE WIRES ROT OUT, REPLACE HEAT SHIELD.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 511247 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 518696 · 1997-08-07 (August 7, 1997)
PARKING BRAKE STICK/FREEZE WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS FREEZING. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 518696 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 708277 · 1999-07-06 (July 6, 1999)
MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. SOMETIMES THEY DON'T ENGAGE, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T RELEASE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 708277 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 735839 · 2000-11-06 (November 6, 2000)
DRIVER'S SEAT ANCHORING BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO SEAT BASE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ATTACHMENT BOLT. ODOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE ON MOST PRE-1990 MODELS AS STATED BY MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN SAAB REPAIRS. MECHANIC STATES THAT THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE GEARING MECHANISM WITHIN THE ODOMETER.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 735839 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
88V149000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
Reported: 1988-09-07 (September 7, 1988)
BOLTS USED IN THE ATTACHMENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL ARMS MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Consequence: IF MORE THAN ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS SHOULD FAIL, LOWERFRONT CONTROL ARM COULD COME LOOSE LEADING TO LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF AFRONT WHEEL.
Remedy: REPLACE BOLTS WITH PROPER SPECIFICATION BOLTS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗88V173000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
Reported: 1988-11-01 (November 1, 1988)
WIRING HARNESS MAY CHAFE AGAINST SHARP EDGES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND AGAINST A SUPPORT UNDER THE REAR SEAT (1988 MODELS ONLY).
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT; THE RESULTING HEATBUILDUP COULD CAUSE SMOKE OR A FIRE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: INSTALL RUBBER PROTECTIVE STRIPS TO SHARP EDGES AND COMPLETELY ENCASE WIRE HARNESS IN A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC TUBE.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Explore the data
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
13 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
0.0%Usable mileage0 / 13 records
69.2%Valid incident date9 / 13 records
100.0%Valid filing date13 / 13 records
69.2%Ordered incident and filing dates9 / 13 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Manual Transmission | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.8%ODI 969351THE TRANSMISSION IS STANDARD AND IS SOMETIMES HARD TO GET IT INTO REVERSE AND SOMETIMES INTO 1ST GEAR. IT IS IS A 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION. *AK | 116.7%ODI 722375EARLY TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT - FIRST GEAR POPS OUT CONSTANTLY. *AK | 613.6%ODI 8009679RECALL 95 V 068 000/TRANSMISSION MANUAL: VEHICLE OPERATED IN REVERSE INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK | 1010.0%ODI 10040906I OWN A 1995 SAAB 900 SE WITH A MANNUAL TRANSMISSION. I WOULD GUESS AS A SAFTEY FEATURE, THIS VEHICLE REQUIRES THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE IN THE REVERSE POSITION TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS INSURES THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE WHEN NOT OCCUPIED IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN ENGAGED. ON MY VEHICLE THE SHIFT LEVER CAN BE IN THE REVERSE POSITION AND THE KEY REMOVED, BUT THE REVERSE GEAR IS NEVER ACTUALLY ENGAGED OR CAN BE EASILY MOVED OUT OF REVERSE. THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WAS WHEN I FOUND MY VEHICLE HAD ROLLED FORWARD AND WAS REST… | 510.4% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 210.5%ODI 536438AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HEAD-ON 35MPH CRASH. BOTH VEHICLES, TRAVELING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS WERE BOTH TRAVELING AT 35MPH. DRIVER FRACTURED STERNUM AND THE FRONT END WAS FORCED BACK INTO THE ENGINE. | 17.7%ODI 972480AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE INDICATED SOME SORT OF MALFUNCTION. OWNER STATES NO PROBLEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT | 523.8%ODI 812381WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ONCE THE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED, IT LET OUT A BLACK SMOKE WHICH FILLED ENTIRE VEHICLE. *AK | 116.7%ODI 811979DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 40MPH, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, HIT A WALL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK | 24.5%ODI 818281DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 66 MPH COMING TO A TOLL BOOTH HAD TO SLAM BRAKES. REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. 6,000 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE IN FRONT. HAD TO REPLACE BUMPER/RADITOR/HEADLIGHT. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN AT THE TIME, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MECHANIC DOES NOT WHY. THIS DEFECT CAN RESULT IN INJURIES IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. *AK | 22.0%ODI 10238763 · 80,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 729.2%ODI 10174422 · 169,000 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V222000, REGARDING AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS RECALL. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.7% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 210.5% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 715.9% | 66.0%ODI 10054892AT ABOUT 1000 A.M. ,MY DAUGHTER JENNIFER AGE 19 WAS DRIVING MY 1995 SAAB 900SE CONVERTIBLE ON THE NYS THRUWAY FROM ALBANY TO OUR HOME IN UTICA , NY WHEN SHE WAS APPROACHING THE HERKIMER T-WAY EXIT. SHE WAS GOING TO EXIT THE T-WAY THERE , SO SHE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. SHE TOLD ME THAT WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO SLOW DOWN AND BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED. SHE SAYS THAT WHEN SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN FROM 55 MPH TO 85 MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS . SHE SAYS SHE BECAME HYSTERICAL AND BEGAN TO … | 24.2%ODI 514945UPON SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE GEAR, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. | 14.8%ODI 10003689CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED, WHEN THE CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT DID NOT WORK. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND HAS NOT SEEN THE VEHICLE. PH | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.7% | 14.8%ODI 707108TWICE, AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. BROUGHT IT TO DEALER WHO RESET IT, STATING THAT MOISTURE HAD GOTTEN INTO THE HARNESS SOMEWHERE. AFTER READING ABOUT THE RECALL FOR 92-94 9000 MODELS WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM, I CALLED SAAB. SAAB TOLD ME I COULD HAVE THIS LOOKED AT OR FIXED BY THE DEALER AT MY COST. IS THIS RELATED AND WHAT SHOULD I DO. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.3%ODI 563909CONSUMER HAD COOLANT BOTTLE AND COOLANT RECOVERY BOTTLE REPLACED. *JG | 55.0%ODI 10007869SAAB REFUSES TO FOLLOW UP ON A CONFIRMED (MEDIA-PUBLISHED) RECALL ANNOUNCED IN NOV 2002 (3 MONTHS AGO) CONCERNING RANDOM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. SAAB CORPORATE REFUSES TO SPECIFY VINS OR GIVE ANY PLANNED RESOLUTION, AND THE SAAB DEALERS CONFIRM THAT MY CAR IS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED, BUT NO ONE WILL TAKE ANY ACTION YET, AND SAAB IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET! ISN'T THEIR A TIME LIMIT FOR THEM TO START THIS RECALL? HOW DO WE ESCALATE THIS SITUATION, PLS? | 48.3%ODI 11569616Passenger airbag deployed for no reason while driving car, no warning lights on dashboard, no impact, no precipitating event occured | 29.5%ODI 10149473 · 59,000 miRE: SAAB 900 1997. UPON TURNING THE IGNITION KEY IN AN ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELTS TENSIONED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN AND THE RADIO POPPED OUT OF THE DASH. THIS IS EVENT IS VERY MUCH ALIKE TO DEFECTS DESCRIBED IN RECALLS OF SAAB 900 1995 AND 1998 MODEL YEARS. I HAVE ALREADY FILED A REPORT AT SAAB. SAAB HAS INFORMED ME THAT AT THIS TIME THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. *JB | 520.8%ODI 10170335 · 31,000 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOTH THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CONTROL MODULE SHORTED CAUSING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE CONTROL MODULE, AIR BAGS, AND SEATBELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 736.8%ODI 527531VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. MECHANIC CLAIMS VALVE IN THE ABS STICKING RESULTED IN ALL BRAKING POWER TO BE DIRECTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF SYSTEM ONLY. | 215.4%ODI 808242WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES ON WET PAVEMENT THE PEDAL WILL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 24.5%ODI 851957WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK | 66.0%ODI 534246VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, AND DEALER INSISTS THAT THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO OCCIR MOST FREQUENTLY ON UNSTABLE SURFACE, SUCH AS GRAVEL/SAND ON THE ROAD. | 12.1%ODI 803818A SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS EXPERIENCED, UPON PLACING TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE POSITION, COMPLETE BRAKING AND STEERING WAS LOST AS A RESULT. *AK | 14.8%ODI 10118144 · 75,000 mi1997 SAAB 900 SE TURBO 2.0, CAR BEGAN TO STALL, AND WOULD ONLY RESTART ONCE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE KEYS REMOVED. STALLING CONTINUED RANDOMLY AT HIGH OR LOW SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT STALLED AT HIGH SPEEDS - THE POWER STEERING CUT OUT, POWER AND ABS BRAKES - IT WAS AS IF THE KEY HAD BEEN REMOVED AND ALL POWER CUT TO THE CAR.*AK FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH (ELECTRICAL PORTION BELOW KEYS) REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, STALLING FIXED. CAR BASICALLY THOUGHT THE KEYS WERE BEING REMOVED (THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS ON THE IGNITION SWITCH WERE BA… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.7%ODI 803697ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING A FIRE, IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE. *AK | 29.1%ODI 706174TIMING CHAIN FAILED DURING NORMAL OPERATION AT 35 MPH CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL AND $2400 IN ENGINE VALVE DAMAGE. TIMING CHAIN IS NOT SPECIFICED AS A NORMAL REPLACEMENT ITEM. | 210.5%ODI 526296FRON ENGINE MOUNT FAILED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE PULLING TO ONE SIDE/LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 29.5% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 49.1%ODI 10044446 · 90,837 miVEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE.*MR THE GASKET SURROUNDING THE TIMING BELT COVER BECAME TANGLED WITH THE TIMING BELT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START.*TS *JB | 33.0%ODI 10176735 · 76,000 miCONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED CAUSING THE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED SAAB USA AT [phone removed] AND SPOKE WITH SUPERVISOR LEMONT. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT SAAB DOES NOT COVER COSTS INVOLVED IN REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN BUT ONLY FOR THE BELT AT VERY SPECIFIC MILEAGE POINTS AS TO THE HISTORY OF WIDESPREAD BREAKAGE AND SAFETY PROBLEMS AND SUBSEQUENT COSTLY DAMAGE TO ENGINES. *NM | 36.3% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 333.3%ODI 0THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE TACHOMETER TO DROP AND THE STEERING TO BECOME HEAVY YET THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN SMOOTHLY, AS THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTS TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER THE POWER RETURNS BEFORE THE CAR STOPS, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. NLM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.3%ODI 10101475THE EXPERIENCE LEAKING HEAD GASKET REPEATED PROBLEM. THE ENGINE OVERHEATING AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *BF THE BRAKES SQUEALED WHEN STOPPING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS HARD TO CLOSE, THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD RUN BAD, THE HEAT OPERATION WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, SEAT COVER LEFT LOWER CRACKED, FLUID LEAKED UNDER THE VEHICLE/OVERNIGHT COOLANT LEAK, OVER HEATING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY, LEAKING DISTRIBUTOR SEAL, BROKEN TURN SIGNAL, AT A CERTAIN POSITION THE SEAT WOULD NOT OPERATE FORWAR… | 77.0%ODI 100251971995 SAAB 900 SE STALLS UPON COLD START AND ALSO CUTS OFF (STALLS) WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE IS TOTALLY TUNED AND ALL THROTTLE, FUEL INJECTORS ARE CLEAN ETC. I CONTACTED DEALER AND SAAB WEB-SITE TO INQUIRE ABOUT RECALL 95V066000 BUT I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE. | 36.3%ODI 10016693 · 72,000 miON APRIL 27, 2003, MY SAAB 900 SE HAD AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING WITHIN A MINUTE HAD COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE CAR. THE "CHECK BATTERY" LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE HAZARD LIGHT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND JUST ESCAPED THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE HAD TO CALL ME TO GET THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBER AND VIN, AS THEY HAD MELTED. THE CAR HAD 72,000 MILES AND HAD BEEN CHECKED TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR. JUST MONTHS BEFORE IT HAD BEEN COMPLETELY INSPECTED. THE CAR WAS IN SHOW ROOM CONDITION. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 111.1% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.5%ODI 524338CASING AROUND TRANSMISSION CRACKED, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE FIRE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.8%ODI 531379LACK OF HEAT IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO FAILURE IN MANUFACTURE WITH THE LACK OF A HOLE HAVING BEEN DRILLED IN THE BLOCK WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AND WHICH PREVENTED PROPER AND SUSTAINED HEATING. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 36.8% | 33.0%ODI 565334THE ENGINE ON VEHICLE FAILED AND IS NOW RENDERED USELESS. CONSUMER WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN FAULT WITH THESE VEHICLES AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. THE DEALER HOWEVER, DID NOT INFORM CONSUMER OF THE DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES. *JG | 12.1%ODI 515533WHILE SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND SPINNED AROUND IN A 360 DEGREE CIRCLE. | 14.8% | 14.2%ODI 768074KEEP HEARING THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM, COULD BE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE WHEN TOP IS STUCK OPEN. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A 4 YR OLD CAR DEALER WANTS $ 1,700. FOR NEW MOTOR. MR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1999: 2 complaints · 2000: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable | Power Train | Electrical System:Ignition | Electrical System:Wiring | Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan | Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1ODI 509766PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK | 0 | 1ODI 509766PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 509766PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK | — | 0 | 1ODI 509766PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 509766PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK | 1ODI 509766PREMATURE WEAR OF RING & PINION GEAR; ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS; CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE AND COOLING FAN/THERMOSTAT FAILURE. *AK | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
2 patterns with matching reports.
Stalling or loss of power
1 mentions · 7.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
Matching rule
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b