1996 Saab 900 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 21%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Saab 900, 21% of the 48 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This car has been nothing but a nightmare. It has required three tows from june 2001 to february 2002. The most expensive failure occurred the day after I had taken the car to a local dealer for a routine oil change (international motors, falls church, va), and the transmission and clutch failed because there was a transmission fluid leak that was not caught by their mechanics. I have contacted Saab corporate by letter in december 2001 about my multiple problems with this car. Their response by telephone was that there was nothing that they could do.”
NHTSA complaint #758034, filed 2002-02“Saab cars USA refuses to pay for a manufacturer defect. I have had the clutch plate examined by specialists and they all think this is an obvious manufacturer defect. Most experts have never seen a clutch plate split in half like this. The debris from the clutch disintegrating blew into the transmission housing causing a hole. The extended warranty company refuses to pay for the transmission because it was caused by the clutch exploding. I sent photos to Saab and three separate letters requesting they fix this problem to no avail. I have all the documentation to support these facts.”
NHTSA complaint #739164, filed 2001-01“After a 30 minutes of driving vehicle was parked in a parking lot. Smoke was noticed coming from underneath the hood area before a fire started. Fire department was on site to put out fire. Saab has been contacted. Vehicle traveling, check the engine light appeared and stayed on the cause was determined to be a sensor. The vehicle slips while in gear and before going into gear due to loss of fluid by lthe leaking transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #873699, filed 2000-10“While traveling 60mph transmission became locked in gear. Was not able to shift into another gear. Had remained in 4th gear until able to shift. Took vehicle to service station, and mechanic could not locate any problems. Taking vehicle to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #890255, filed 2001-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 3 | 14% |
| 1996 | 10 | 21% |
| 1995 | 21 | 21% |
| 1994 | 10 | 23% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
| 1992 | 2 | 10% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1989 | 2 | 9% |
| 1988 | 3 | 23% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saab 900
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Saab 900
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology