1985 Saab 900 Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Saab 900 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1985 Saab 900. The part named most often is electrical system, with 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by suspension (1) and transmission and drivetrain (1). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system3 60%
- Suspension1 20%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While traveling at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost all power. Technician indicated that plastic covering the wiring harness was deteriorating and caused the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #537207, filed 1998-06Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Saab 900 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 900 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 900 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 900 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 85V060000May 8, 1985Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Saab 900 1985
The flexible fuel hose may have been turned out of its normal position and have a sharp bend or twist near one of its fittings. Consequence of defect: this could lead to hose rupture, fuel leakage, and possibly a fire.
Recall details for the 1985 Saab 900 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Saab 900.
Other model years of the Saab 900
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 24 | 96,000 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 21 | 111,000 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 48 | 99,500 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 100 | 86,064 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 44 | 75,000 | 8 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 21 | 299,000 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 13 | — | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 19 | 175,756 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 13 | — | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 9 | 203,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
All Saab 900 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Saab 900 have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1985 Saab 900 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Saab 900 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by suspension with 1.
Has the 1985 Saab 900 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Saab 900 get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Saab 900 (900, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.