1996 Saab 9000

Introduction

The 1996 Saab 9000 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was introduced in 1984. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

• 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine (133 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque)
• 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine (155 horsepower, 200 lb-ft of torque)
• 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine (225 horsepower, 255 lb-ft of torque)
• 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine (185 horsepower, 188 lb-ft of torque)

The 9000 was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Saab 9000 for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and unique styling. However, it is also known for having some reliability issues.

Engine

2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, rough idling, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.3-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine (155 horsepower, 200 lb-ft of torque)

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, blue or white smoke from the exhaust, whining noise from the engine
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wastegate failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Boost pressure problems, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the wastegate
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

2.3-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine (225 horsepower, 255 lb-ft of torque)

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, rough idling, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter, 6-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine

• No issues found

Transmission

5-speed manual transmission

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed automatic transmission

• Transmission failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No forward or reverse gears, slipping gears, delayed shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts, rough ride, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the suspension, loose or separated ball joint
  • Solution: Replace the ball joint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system not working, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not crank, clicking noise from the starter
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No issues found

Interior

• Climate control failure
  • Description/Symptoms: AC or heater not working, fan not blowing, temperature not regulating
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the climate control system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio not turning on, no sound, display not working
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the radio
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Saab 9000 is a reliable car overall, but it does have some common issues that can be expensive to fix. The most severe issues include head gasket failure, transmission failure, and turbocharger failure. However, these issues are not common, and most 9000s will not experience any major problems.