IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
1979–1993 Saab 900 Classic

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 1979–1993 Saab 900 Classic. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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.

Most affected: All, especially Turbo

Estimated cost: £1,500–£3,000Affects: 1979–1993Often appears around: 100k+ miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Smoothness of all gears
  • ✓Oil leaks from the transmission
  • ✓History of oil changes

Body Rust

SeriousBodywork & Rust

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

Most affected: All

Estimated cost: £500–£2,000Affects: 1979–1993Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Driveshaft tunnels
  • ✓Wheel arches
  • ✓Door bottoms

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.

Most affected: All, especially Turbo

Estimated cost: £300–£800Affects: 1979–1993Often appears around: 80,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the gearbox for oil leaks
  • ✓Listen for a whine at motorway speeds in 5th
  • ✓Test reverse gear engagement

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.

Most affected: All

Estimated cost: £50–£300Affects: 1979–1993Often appears around: Any age

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test all electrical accessories
  • ✓Check the earth points under the bonnet and near the battery
  • ✓Inspect wiring loom for chafing

Buying Tips for the 1979 Saab 900 Classic

  • ✓Test reverse gear carefully; if it pops out, the gearbox is likely on its way out.
  • ✓Inspect the front wheel arches, floor pans, and "drive tunnel" for rust.
  • ✓Listen for a whining noise from the gearbox (pinion bearing wear).
  • ✓Check the headliner for sagging, a universal 900 trait.

Browse 1979–1993 Saab 900 Classic in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 1979–1993 Saab 900 Classic vehicles.

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Other Saab 900 Classic Year Periods

1979–1993

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