1995 Saab 900

Introduction

The 1995 Saab 900 is a compact executive car that was available in sedan, convertible, and hatchback body styles. It was powered by a choice of four-cylinder and V6 engines, and came with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The 900 was known for its safety, performance, and handling, but it also had some issues that plagued owners.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4

• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail due to a variety of reasons, including oil starvation, boost leaks, and excessive heat. Symptoms include a loss of power, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a rattling noise from the engine. To fix the issue, the turbocharger must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
• Blown head gasket: The head gasket can fail due to overheating, improper torque settings, or a faulty design. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, white smoke from the exhaust, and a rough idle. To fix the issue, the head gasket must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2000+

2.3L Turbocharged I4

• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail due to a faulty design. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, a loss of power, and a rough idle. To fix the issue, the timing chain tensioner must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Synchronizer wear: The synchronizers can wear out over time, causing difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include grinding noises when shifting gears, a loose or sloppy shifter, and a loss of power. To fix the issue, the transmission must be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission shudder: The transmission can shudder when shifting gears due to a faulty torque converter or a worn-out clutch pack. Symptoms include a vibration or shudder when shifting gears, a loss of power, and a rough idle. To fix the issue, the transmission must be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
• TCC solenoid failure: The TCC solenoid can fail due to a faulty design. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough idle, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the TCC solenoid must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Suspension

• Front suspension strut mount failure: The front suspension strut mounts can fail due to wear and tear. Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, a loss of alignment, and a rough ride. To fix the issue, the strut mounts must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Rear suspension bushing failure: The rear suspension bushings can fail due to wear and tear. Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the rear suspension, a loss of alignment, and a rough ride. To fix the issue, the bushings must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty voltage regulator, a worn-out brush, or a broken belt. Symptoms include a loss of electrical power, a dim or flickering dashboard, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the alternator must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail due to a variety of reasons, including a worn-out solenoid, a faulty ignition switch, or a broken starter motor. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, a grinding noise when starting the engine, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the starter must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Fuel pump failure: The fuel pump can fail due to a faulty motor, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty fuel pump relay. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough idle, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the fuel pump must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

• Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch can fail due to a faulty design. Symptoms include intermittent or no headlights, a flickering or dim dashboard, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the headlight switch must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Door lock actuator failure: The door lock actuators can fail due to a faulty design. Symptoms include intermittent or no door locks, a rattling noise from the doors, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the door lock actuators must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can crack due to exposure to sunlight and heat. Symptoms include a cracked or warped dashboard, a loose or sagging dashboard, and a rattling noise from the dashboard. To fix the issue, the dashboard must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Center console lid failure: The center console lid can fail due to a faulty design. Symptoms include a loose or broken center console lid, a rattling noise from the center console, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the center console lid must be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Climate control failure: The climate control can fail due to a faulty blower motor, a clogged evaporator core, or a faulty control module. Symptoms include intermittent or no air conditioning, a weak or no airflow from the vents, and a Check Engine Light. To fix the issue, the climate control system must be diagnosed and repaired. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 1995 Saab 900 is a well-made car that is fun to drive and offers a high level of performance. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems include engine failures, transmission problems, suspension issues, electrical failures, and interior problems. The severity of these issues varies, but they can all be costly to repair.