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1998 Saab 900

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. static electricity can build up within the passenger-side air bag module and create enough of a charge to cause an inadvertent air bag deployment. most of these inadvertent deployments have occurred in cooler, dry weather, and have generally included dusting or wiping of the dashboard, starting the car, or closing the door.

Corrective Action

unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a front passenger-side air bag module grounding strap. owner notification began september 24, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

1998 Saab 900

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. this does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Corrective Action

the vehicle occupant may not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. if an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.

1998 Saab 900

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.

Recall Notes

owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. if an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.

1997 Saab 900

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. this does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Corrective Action

the vehicle occupant may not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. if an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.

1997 Saab 900

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.

Recall Notes

owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. if an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.

1997 Saab 900

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.

Corrective Action

this binding can result in the throttle plate not returning to the closed position when the throttle pedal is released and a subsequent loss of throttle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.

1996 Saab 900

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.

Recall Notes

owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. if an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.

1996 Saab 900

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

during static testing of belt anchorage points, the outboard attachment plate being used in the testing deformed and detached from the seat anchorage. this does not comply with fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies" and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: the belt may not latch properly increasing the risk of injury to an occupant should a vehicle crash occur.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the safety belt assemblies for the date of manufacture. any assembly with date year 96 week 10 day 2 will be replaced.

1996 Saab 900

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.

Corrective Action

this binding can result in the throttle plate not returning to the closed position when the throttle pedal is released and a subsequent loss of throttle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner

Consequence of Defect

one or more of the arc welds can be missing on the seat back frame recliner.

Corrective Action

this can result in a seat back falling backwards under a load.

Recall Notes

both front seat backs will be inspected with the use of a hook to pull back the seat back upholstery. for any seat with missing welds, the seat back frame/recliner will be replaced.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Consequence of Defect

it is possible to move the shift lever into the reverse gear position, remove the ignition key, and still have the transmission in neutral, or, to accidently disengage reverse by striking the gear lever.

Corrective Action

if the parking brake is not applied, the car can roll from its original parked position increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace transmission linkage components and complete a specially developed service adjustment procedure that will ensure that when the shift is moved to the reverse position, the reverse gear is actually engaged.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Electrical System:Ignition:Module

Consequence of Defect

upon startup, a voltage drop to the engine control module can cause a malfunction where engine speed fluctuates from 600 to 3,000 rpm for up to 30 seconds before normal engine idle of 900 rpm.

Corrective Action

unexpected movement of the vehicle may cause the driver to lose control and increase the potential of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a new revised electronic control module.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Air Bags

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger vehicles, the air bag electronic control unit (ecu) is designed to sense and discriminate frontal impact events, command air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployments in a timely manner, and perform continuous diagnostics of the air bag system in the vehicle. due to the possible insufficient sealing of the bottom of an electrolyte capacitor, it is possible for it to leak electrolyte within the air bag ecu. also, in high humidity environments, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner can cause rapid cooling of the ecu, which in turn may cause the formation of condensation with the unit.

Corrective Action

if this moisture comes into contact with the electrolyte from the capacitor, it forms a highly conductive material that could create an electrical short circuit. this electrical short could trigger the air bags and seat belt pretensioners.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a new air bag ecu. owner notification began april 4, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.

Recall Notes

owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. if an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

the steering column shaft was incorrectly installed in the vehicle causing the column to be out of alignment.

Corrective Action

if misaligned, an aluminum connecting piece can fail due to fatigue, resulting in a loss of steering control and an accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the steering column alignment to ensure that no misalignment exists. if a misalignment is found, the dealer will replace the steering column assembly as a unit.

1995 Saab 900

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.

Corrective Action

this binding can result in the throttle plate not returning to the closed position when the throttle pedal is released and a subsequent loss of throttle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner

Consequence of Defect

one or more of the arc welds can be missing on the seat back frame recliner.

Corrective Action

this can result in a seat back falling backwards under a load.

Recall Notes

both front seat backs will be inspected with the use of a hook to pull back the seat back upholstery. for any seat with missing welds, the seat back frame/recliner will be replaced.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

a weld in the seat rails was not made, increasing the risk of fatigue cracks forming around the attachment bushings on the height adjustment mechanism, causing the possibility of the height adjuster breaking in a rear end collision and allowing the seat to fold backwards.

Corrective Action

this can increase the risk of injury to seat occupants.

Recall Notes

dealers will install new front seat frame rails.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Consequence of Defect

it is possible to move the shift lever into the reverse gear position, remove the ignition key, and still have the transmission in neutral, or, to accidently disengage reverse by striking the gear lever.

Corrective Action

if the parking brake is not applied, the car can roll from its original parked position increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace transmission linkage components and complete a specially developed service adjustment procedure that will ensure that when the shift is moved to the reverse position, the reverse gear is actually engaged.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Structure:Body:Door

Consequence of Defect

the two weld points in the rearward attachment bracket for the side impact protection beam in the rear door may be out of position. if the welds are out of position, the vehicles will not meet the requirements of fmvss 214, s5, "side door strength."

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: passengers sitting in the rear seats will be subject to an increased risk of injury in the event of a side collision.

Recall Notes

dealers will install support brackets at the support weld locations.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.

Recall Notes

owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. if an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

two trigger springs mounted to the fore/aft adjustment lever do not develop sufficient force to properly lock the seat rails. after the seat is adjusted, this does not allow the seat rail lock to properly engage, which can cause the seat to move in a sudden stop or collision.

Corrective Action

this can increase the possibility of injury to a seat occupant in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove both front seats and the two springs on each seat will be replaced with new springs with proper tension to ensure proper engagement.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc

Consequence of Defect

the original front brake discs and/or pads shields do not protect the assemblies from being coated with a layer of slush, road salt or water while driving in snow or heavy rain. this can result in a delay in braking action that increases normal stopping distance.

Corrective Action

increased stopping distance could result in an accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the original front brake shields with a new design. an additional hole will be drilled in the steering king pin housing to attach a larger cover plate. a smaller protection plate will also be attached to the existing two bolts in the hub.

1994 Saab 900

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

corrosion around the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing can cause the throttle lever to bind.

Corrective Action

this binding can result in the throttle plate not returning to the closed position when the throttle pedal is released and a subsequent loss of throttle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the zinc-coated throttle control lever bushing with a nickel-coated bushing and bolt.

1989 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

fuel filter may not meet the specification concerning leakage criteria due to low temperature during the gluing process.

Corrective Action

fuel filter may leak creating a potential fire hazard.

Recall Notes

replace fuel filter.

1989 Saab 900

Component

Visibility:Defroster/Defogger System

Consequence of Defect

under certain conditions, a reverse current might flow through a wire cable between the air recirculation switch and a microswitch.

Corrective Action

heater fan resistor would overheat and smoke in thepassenger compartment heating system, causing discomfort and breathing hazardsto the driver and passengers.

Recall Notes

disconnect electrical wire cable and secure by tape around cable harness.

1988 Saab 900

Component

Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash

Consequence of Defect

wiring harness may chafe against sharp edges under the dashboard and against a support under the rear seat (1988 models only).

Corrective Action

this could cause a short circuit; the resulting heatbuildup could cause smoke or a fire in the passenger compartment.

Recall Notes

install rubber protective strips to sharp edges and completely encase wire harness in a protective plastic tube.

1988 Saab 900

Component

Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm

Consequence of Defect

bolts used in the attachments of the front suspension system control arms may be defective.

Corrective Action

if more than one of the three bolts should fail, lowerfront control arm could come loose leading to loss of directional control of afront wheel.

Recall Notes

replace bolts with proper specification bolts.

1987 Saab 900

Component

Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash

Consequence of Defect

wiring harness may chafe against sharp edges under the dashboard and against a support under the rear seat (1988 models only).

Corrective Action

this could cause a short circuit; the resulting heatbuildup could cause smoke or a fire in the passenger compartment.

Recall Notes

install rubber protective strips to sharp edges and completely encase wire harness in a protective plastic tube.

1987 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

the fuel hose between the pressure regulator and the injector fuel rail may rupture due to stress.

Corrective Action

this could result in a fuel leak and possibly a fire.

Recall Notes

replace fuel hose with new preformed plastic hose.

1986 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

the fuel hose between the pressure regulator and the injector fuel rail may rupture due to stress.

Corrective Action

this could result in a fuel leak and possibly a fire.

Recall Notes

replace fuel hose with new preformed plastic hose.

1986 Saab 900

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

the bolt in the upper steering column u-joint clamp may have been over torqued and may break. consequence of defect: a broken u-joint clamp may allow the steering shaft to pull out of the joint and result in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

replace and properly torque bolt.

1985 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

the flexible fuel hose may have been turned out of its normal position and have a sharp bend or twist near one of its fittings. consequence of defect: this could lead to hose rupture, fuel leakage, and possibly a fire.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

adjust the position of the fuel hose between the injector fuel rail and fuel pressure regulator.

1984 Saab 900

Component

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood

Consequence of Defect

the electrical cable between the starter and the alternator can rub against the brake fluid pipe attached to the left inner wheelhouse in the engine compartment. consequence of defect: rubbing will eventually damage the cable insulation and result in a short circuit which may cause a fire.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the cable connection at the alternator will be adjusted and the cable repositioned to eliminate rubbing.

1983 Saab 900

Component

Electrical System:Wiring

Consequence of Defect

the electrical cable between the starter and the alternator may rub against a brake line that is attached to the wheel well on the left side of the engine compartment.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the cable connection at the alternator will be adjusted and the cable will be relocated so it does not chafe. any damage to the cable will be repaired.

1982 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Consequence of Defect

poor electrical connection at the fuel gauge transmitter may result in a stoppage of the fuel pump and engine stalling. in extreme cases, fuel vapor may leak from the fuel tank.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the fuel gauge transmitter will be inspected and replaced, if damaged.

1981 Saab 900

Component

Seat Belts:Front

Consequence of Defect

there may be an insufficient permanent lubrication in the buckle/release mechanism of the type 2 seat belt assemblies. this may cause front seat occupants to have difficulty in fully fastening seat belts, although they may seem to be fully fastened.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

a special wax lubricant will be sprayed into the buckle receptacle slot to remedy defect and prevent reoccurance. this will be done without charge to owner.

1981 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Consequence of Defect

poor electrical connection at the fuel gauge transmitter may result in a stoppage of the fuel pump and engine stalling. in extreme cases, fuel vapor may leak from the fuel tank.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the fuel gauge transmitter will be inspected and replaced, if damaged.

1980 Saab 900

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System

Consequence of Defect

the possibility exists that the mounting collar for the electric fuel pump, submerged in the fuel, could partially detach from the top of the tank and cause a fuel leak.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

dealer will replace the fuel pump support and remount the pump at no charge to owner.

1980 Saab 900

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Consequence of Defect

a problem relating to the front exhaust pipe bracket attachment could cause leaking of transmission oil. transmission could lock up due to lack of proper oil lubrication.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

dealer will replace the existing exhaust pipe bracket with one that attaches to the side of the transmission. the rear differential cover gasket will also be replaced, using screws instead of studs.

1979 Saab 900

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch

Consequence of Defect

the headlamp relay may fail in such a way as to cause the headlamps to fail to switch from low to high beam (or vice versa) when the control switch is operated. also, the headlamps may shut off intermittently or completely.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the headlamp relay, without charge to owner.

1979 Saab 900

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Consequence of Defect

a problem relating to the front exhaust pipe bracket attachment could cause leaking of transmission oil. transmission could lock up due to lack of proper oil lubrication.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

dealer will replace the existing exhaust pipe bracket with one that attaches to the side of the transmission. the rear differential cover gasket will also be replaced, using screws instead of studs.

1979 Saab 900

Component

Electrical System:Battery:Cables

Consequence of Defect

the insulation of the positive battery cable may possibly melt or become brittle due to the high temperatures which may be generated in the vicinity of the cable.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

dealer will replace the "b+" cable (positive cable from starter), add protective sleeves over the starter wiring harness, and install a new heat guard for the battery, without charge.

1979 Saab 900

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

under certain conditions such as ambient humidity and vehicle pre-conditioning by repeated cold start, and short trip driving cycles in combination with sub-zero temperatures, there exists the possibility for ice to form in the throttle housing and temporarily impede full closure of the throttle plate when the accelerator is released. this ice build-up in the throttle housing may cause hesitation in vehicle deceleration and increased stopping distances.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the dealer will modify the engine intake system to further improve preheating of incoming air in cold weather. this will be done free of charge.