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Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) became mandatory in 1981. The ISO Institute standardized the 17-character code. Every Saab carries this unique identifier that reveals crucial vehicle data. Using a VIN decoder helps protect buyers from fraud. The tool provides essential car information for informed decisions.
Our Saab VIN decoder simplifies the process with these straightforward steps:
Your car's VIN appears in multiple locations for verification purposes.
| Key Risk | Impact on Buyers | Mitigation Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Theft Risk | Older niche models have lower theft incidence; cloned VINs appear in private-sale listings. | Run VIN through NICB/insurance checks; match dash VIN, door label, and windshield etching. |
| Unrepaired Safety Recalls | About 15% of Saabs in the U.S. have at least one open recall, mostly airbags and seatbelts. | Check NHTSA by VIN; ask for recall closure receipts; verify dealer parts availability. |
| Depreciation Over Time | Late-run 9-3/9-5s hold value better, but repaired-salvage units sell 20-35% below clean-title comps. | Compare VIN-matched comps; avoid units with structural brands unless deeply discounted. |
| Odometer Rollback Fraud | Rollbacks cluster on imports and high-mile wagons; mileage jumps show in inspection/auction entries. | Review multi-source odometer timeline; demand emissions/inspection logs that match VIN miles. |
| Hidden Flood or Salvage History | Auction relists and multi-state titles can hide flood events; corrosion flags show after 6-12 months. | Pull NMVTIS + auction photos; look for undercarriage silt, seatbelt rust, and musty HVAC. |
Risk Reduction: Risk mitigation: Check your VIN with EpicVIN and NHTSA. Compare odometer readings across years. Study auction photographs and analyze insurance payout reports to protect yourself.
| Issue | Affected Models, Symptoms, Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct Ignition (DI) cassette failure | 1999–2011 9-3 / 9-5, 2.0T / 2.3T, 90k–160k mi; misfire under load, CEL P0300–P0304. Replacement often with NGK plugs. $300–$650 parts & labor |
| PCV / oil-sludge leading to turbo wear | 1999–2003 9-5 2.3T (pre-PCV update), 80k–140k mi; low oil pressure light, blue smoke. May require turbo + sump clean. $1,200–$2,500 |
| Convertible top hydraulic leaks | 1998–2011 9-3 / 9-3 CV, 90k–150k mi; slow or no roof movement, fluid at rams/pump. Refurb kit or pump replacement. $900–$1,600 |
Each character in your vehicle's unique sequence tells a specific story.
There are some other details that Saab owners and buyers should know and select for verification:
Here's how our VIN decoder interprets a sample sequence (5S3ET13S062800966):
| Symbols | Sample | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | The United States as the country of origin |
| 2 | S | Saab as a manufacturer |
| 3 | 3 | Passenger car vehicle type |
| 4-8 | ET13S | Sedan body style, engine type, restraint system, 9-3 model line, and trim level |
| 9 | 0 | Check digit for validation |
| 10 | 6 | 2006 model year |
| 11 | 2 | Trollhättan, Sweden assembly plant |
| 12-17 | 800966 | Individual vehicle serial number |
Year 1987
Make Saab
Model 900
Fuel Type
Engine
Made in SWEDEN
Decoding your Saab's VIN reveals comprehensive vehicle data and history, with options to select specific information categories.
We connect NMVTIS titles, lien data, and odometer logs so cloned Saab VINs don't slip past you.— Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN
Dashboard near the windshield, driver door jamb sticker, engine bay plate, and vehicle registration documents, where you can find this information.
Yes, positions 4-8 contain engine codes that identify turbo vs naturally aspirated powertrains and provide engine information.
Our data includes all NHTSA recalls affecting Saab models, including seatbelt and airbag issues present in various Saab vehicles.
YS3 indicates Swedish Trollhättan production, while other codes show different manufacturing locations or partnerships, options that vary by Saab model.
Cross-reference dashboard, door jamb, and engine bay VINs; verify against title documents and registration to find authentic information.
Yes, our reports include recall completion dates when dealers report repair work to manufacturers and provide service information.
Market destination codes in the VIN indicate original sales region and regulatory compliance standards present in different Saab markets.
Transmission type appears in the vehicle descriptor section (positions 4-8) within the drivetrain code and helps select transmission information.
Special edition information appears in trim level codes; our decoder identifies anniversary and limited models and provides specific Saab variant details.
To decode your Saab's VIN number, you can just apply a reliable decoder service that specializes in European vehicles. Enter the 17-digit code into the VIN decoder to obtain detailed vehicle information.
Yes, you can. Symbols 9 and 10 of your Saab VIN will show the manufacturing year and assembler location, respectively. Thus, you will get precise production details.
We recommend contacting a certified Saab dealer or automotive expert immediately for verification. Remember: If you find a document mistake, don't waste time. Get a detailed report to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future.
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