The Campaign

Saab-Scania of America (Saab) has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain 1988 and 1989 9000 models with automatic transmissions. Approximately 14,000 vehicles are affected.

The defect involves the clips securing the automatic transmission throttle (kick-down) cable. The clips may workloose possibly allowing the throttle cable to come into contact with a brake line below the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) hydraulic unit. Such contact, if allowed to continue, could possibly result in a brake line being worn through with subsequent loss of brake fluid. The brake circuit supplied by this line could then become inoperative.

These cars will be voluntarily recalled to inspect the throttle cable and brake lines and install a bracket to secure the cable in place. If the inspection of the throttle cable or brake lines reveals any damage, then corrective measures should be taken as described below.


Vehicles Affected By This Recall

All 1988 9000 models with Automatic Transmission

The following 1989 9000 models with Automatic Transmission:

VIN K1000001-K1022647

VIN K2000001-K2013289

Recall Schedule

Saab notified all dealers of Recall 277 by a mailgram dated January 5, 1990. Initial parts shipments will begin the week of February 26-March 2, 1990 and combined owner notices for vehicles affected by both Recall 277 and 278 will be mailed soon after. Recall repairs can begin as soon as parts are received.

Parts Required:

Bracket P/N 41 18 311

Throttle Cable P/N 40 28 239
(If inspection indicates replacement)

Initial parts shipments of brackets will be made automatically in a quantity equal to 30% of the cars on your dealership's status list. An initial shipment of kick down cables will be made in a quantity equal to 10% of the cars on your status list. There will be no automatic shipment of brake lines. Parts orders for additional cables and brackets, as well as for brake lines, should be made as necessary using VOR ordering procedures.
Brake Lines for cars VIN -K1009731, -K2004996

Left Front Brake Line P/N 89 64 413

Right Front Brake Line P/N 89 64 454

Rear Brake Line P/N 89 64 496
Brake Lines for cars VIN K1009732-, K2004997-

Left Front Brake Line P/N 40 01 970

Right Front Brake Line P/N 40 02 010

Rear Brake Line P/N 40 01 996