AI DamageSaab 952: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Saab 952 across 3 model years: 12 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 33% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Air bags 8% of all complaints
- 4 Equipment 8% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 8% of all complaints
- 6 Seat belts 8% of all complaints
- 7 Visibility 8% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (25% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Equipment: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (8% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The airbag warning light comes on without notice, and horn stops working, took to dealer who said it was the clock spring and this is a typical problem. It is a safety issue as the airbag is needed to prevent injuries. I have heard of other people being injured by this.
Vehicle did not actually stall, but rather sputtered like it was running out of gas and would not accelerate past 35 mph (per consumer call 8/15/05 - c. Rose)
This made it difficult to defrost the windows, resulting in poor visibility. In addition, the fan motor failed to function intermittently. When this happened the windows fogged up immediately. Manufacturer was aware of this issue, and re designed the system, but the replacement of this part will be very costly.
While driving 65 mph the vehicle stalled. The consumer managed to pull over. The dealership said that the problem was due to the timing chain, but the problem has not been resolved.
The vehicle smokes extensively and causes the smoke to enter the car when driving. It has been at the dealer for over three weeks total in the last 5 weeks to replace the gaskets, oil pans, turbo chargers, etc., with no end in sight.
Ongoing problem with engine stalling from a stop position. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.