1990 Saab 900

Introduction:

The 1990 Saab 900 is a compact executive car that was known for its turbocharged performance and sporty handling. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a naturally aspirated inline-4 engine with manual and automatic transmissions, and a turbocharged inline-4 engine with a manual transmission.

Despite its popularity, the Saab 900 has been plagued by a number of issues over the years. Some of the most common problems include engine coolant leaks, transmission problems, suspension issues, and electrical problems.

Engine

2.1 Liter Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated

• Head gasket failure: This is a common problem on the 2.1 liter inline-4 engine, especially in high-mileage vehicles. Symptoms include coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: This gasket can fail, causing coolant to leak from the engine. Symptoms include coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Oil leaks: The 2.1 liter inline-4 engine is known to develop oil leaks from the oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include oil leaking from the engine, low oil levels, and an oily smell. The solution is to replace the leaking gaskets or seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

2.0 Liter Inline-4 Turbocharged

• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail on the 2.0 liter inline-4 turbocharged engine, causing a loss of power and increased exhaust smoke. Symptoms include a lack of power, black smoke from the exhaust, and a whistling noise from the turbocharger. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Wastegate failure: The wastegate can fail on the 2.0 liter inline-4 turbocharged engine, causing the turbocharger to overboost and potentially damage the engine. Symptoms include a lack of power, black smoke from the exhaust, and a rattling noise from the turbocharger. The solution is to replace the wastegate. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Knock sensor failure: The knock sensor can fail on the 2.0 liter inline-4 turbocharged engine, causing the engine to run poorly and potentially damage the engine. Symptoms include a lack of power, knocking noises from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the knock sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out over time, causing difficulty shifting gears or slipping gears. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Transmission mounts failure: The transmission mounts can fail, causing the transmission to shift or vibrate excessively. Symptoms include excessive vibration, difficulty shifting gears, and a clunking noise when shifting gears. The solution is to replace the transmission mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Automatic Transmission

• Transmission fluid leaks: The transmission fluid can leak from the transmission, causing the transmission to slip or shift poorly. Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting gears, and a low transmission fluid level. The solution is to fix the leak and refill the transmission fluid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Solenoid failure: The solenoids in the automatic transmission can fail, causing the transmission to shift poorly or not shift at all. Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the failed solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Suspension

• Strut failure: The struts can wear out over time, causing the suspension to become bouncy or unstable. Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Control arm bushing failure: The control arm bushings can wear out over time, causing the suspension to become loose or unstable. Symptoms include a clunking noise when going over bumps, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Sway bar end links failure: The sway bar end links can wear out over time, causing the suspension to become loose or unstable. Symptoms include a clunking noise when going over bumps, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the sway bar end links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge and the car to stall. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the car from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the car, no engine cranking, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Wiring harness problems: The wiring harness can develop problems over time, causing electrical problems throughout the car. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific problem. The solution is to repair or replace the wiring harness. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Headlight failure: The headlights can fail, reducing visibility at night. Symptoms include dim or flickering headlights, no headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the headlight bulbs or the headlight assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Tail light failure: The tail lights can fail, reducing visibility at night. Symptoms include dim or flickering tail lights, no tail lights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the tail light bulbs or the tail light assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
• Rust: The Saab 900 is known to rust, especially in areas with high humidity or salt exposure. Symptoms include rust spots on the body panels, frame, and suspension components. The solution is to remove the rust and repair or replace the affected parts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Interior

• Power window failure: The power window motors or switches can fail, causing the windows to not operate properly. Symptoms include windows that don’t open or close, windows that open or close slowly, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the failed motor or switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Sunroof failure: The sunroof can fail, causing it to leak or not open or close properly. Symptoms include water leaks, stuck sunroof, and a grinding noise when operating the sunroof. The solution is to repair or replace the sunroof. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Heater core failure: The heater core can fail, causing the heater to not work properly. Symptoms include no heat from the heater, a coolant leak, and a sweet smell in the car. The solution is to replace the heater core. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 1990 Saab 900 is a sporty and engaging car that has been plagued by a number of problems over the years. Some of the most common problems include engine coolant leaks, transmission problems, suspension issues, and electrical problems. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but they can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs.