1988 Saab 9000 Problems
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Saab 9000 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1988 Saab 9000. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and fuel system (3). Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the switch and 3 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings filed under the same part.
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 system4 33%
- Brakes3 25%
- Fuel system3 25%
- Seats2 17%
- Engine cooling1 8.3%
- Equipment1 8.3%
- Interior lighting1 8.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 8.3%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Upon returning to parked car owner smelled smoke and vehicle caught on fire. Point of origin console area behind heating control/dashboard element. Tt”
NHTSA complaint #960756, filed 1995-02Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Saab 9000 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9000 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 9000 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 9000 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 9000 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 90V001000Nov 2, 1990Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Saab 9000 1986–1990
Abrasion on the printed circuit card in the combination neutral safety/backup lamp switch operated by the automatic transmission gear selector may cause residue to collect in electrical area on the circuit card.
- 89V191000Nov 6, 1989Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Saab 9000 1988–1989
The routing of the throttle kickdown cable could allow chafing to occur between the cable and any one of three steel brake fluid lines near the valve block of the hydraulic brake unit.
- 88V057000Apr 5, 1988Vehicle speed controlCovers: Saab 9000 1988
The ball chain between the cruise control vacuum regulator and the accelerator pedal arm may catch on the vacuum regulator attachment clip.
Recall details for the 1988 Saab 9000 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA95020Passenger compartment fireClosed · Jun 30, 1995
- PE95009Passenger compartment firesClosed · Feb 10, 1995
- PE88081Wire harness chafingClosed · Jul 6, 1988
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Saab 9000.
Other model years of the Saab 9000
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 | 45,900 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 10 | 55,000 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 8 | — | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 14 | 191,950 | 4 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 29 | 67,646 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 19 | — | 4 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 8 | 112,000 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 7 | 230,000 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 14 | — | 3 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 12 | — | 3 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Saab 9000 have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1988 Saab 9000 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Saab 9000 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 1988 Saab 9000 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Saab 9000 get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Saab 9000 (9000, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 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 28, 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.