IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1979 Saab 900 (Classic)

Original Saab 900 arrives in the UK as a stretched 99 with a longer nose: 2.0-litre H-engine in GL, GLE, EMS and the turbocharged 900 Turbo, in 3-door, 5-door and 4-door forms.

What changed for 1979

  • •Longer nose than the 99 and a wraparound windscreen with the ignition between the seats
  • •8-valve 2.0-litre slant-four H-engine, carburettor or fuel-injected, with optional Garrett turbo

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Corrosion of sills, wheel arches, and floor and bulkhead seams
  • !Worn or perished front-drive driveshaft gaiters and tired engine and gearbox mounts
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Gearbox Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The gearbox is located underneath the engine and is a known weak point, especially on Turbo models.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£3,000
Warning Signs:

Popping out of reverse, Whining in 5th gear, Difficult shifts

What to Inspect:
  • Smoothness of all gears
  • Oil leaks from the transmission
  • History of oil changes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Body Rust

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Structural rust in the wheel arches and floor can be terminal if not caught early.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Visible bubbling, Soft metal in the boot floor, MOT failure on structural points

What to Inspect:
  • Driveshaft tunnels
  • Wheel arches
  • Door bottoms
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Gearbox Oil Leak and Pinion Bearing Wear

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The gearbox sits directly beneath the engine and is prone to oil leaks from seals and gaskets. The pinion bearing can also wear, producing a distinctive whine especially in 5th gear.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£800
Warning Signs:

Whining noise from gearbox, Oil spots under the car, Difficulty engaging reverse

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the gearbox for oil leaks
  • Listen for a whine at motorway speeds in 5th
  • Test reverse gear engagement
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Electrical Gremlins and Warning Lights

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Older 900s suffer from corroded earth points, intermittent warning lights, and failing instrument cluster connections. Central locking and electric window failures are also common.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£300
Warning Signs:

Intermittent warning lights, Electric windows dropping or failing, Central locking not working

What to Inspect:
  • Test all electrical accessories
  • Check the earth points under the bonnet and near the battery
  • Inspect wiring loom for chafing
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 1979 Saab 900 (Classic)

  • Check the sills, inner wings and A-post bases carefully; surviving 1979-83 cars are often restored shells
  • Test the gearbox for crunchy synchromesh and chain-case oil leaks, since the gearbox sits under the engine