9000 Hatchback L4-2290cc 2.3L DOHC Turbo EFI (1994)
Oil Cooler Cover
Under very specific conditions where there is an impact to the right front (and also slightly downward in direction) above the bumper, the radiator header
can move downward/rearward enough to contact the metal tubing portion of the upper oil cooler hose where it goes into the oil cooler. This can cause the
oil cooler hose and/or housing to break and leak oil onto the engine, possibly resulting in a fire.
In the interim before this recall service is done, please follow these precautions:
^ Be especially cautious in deer crossing areas as collisions with deer have caused the above type of damage.
^ Even in relatively minor collisions, switch off the engine and have all occupants exit the car. Check as soon as possible for any oil leakage or fire. If
there is evidence of oil leakage, do NOT restart the engine.
^ Should you have any concerns, contact your nearest Saab dealer of the Saab Customer Assistance Center (1 - 800 - 955 - 9007).
II. What are the safety risks?
Engine oil leaking from the oil cooler or cooler hose can be ignited on a hot exhaust manifold or turbocharger causing a fire in the engine compartment.
This could result in burns for an occupant. Warnings that a fire might exist include smoke, odor, heating of the hood, etc.
III. What is Saab going to do?
Saab Cars USA, Inc. has made arrangements with its authorized Saab dealers to remedy this defect without charge to you, beginning on October 25,
1994. We urge you to make an appointment with your Saab dealer to have a protective cover fitted over the engine oil cooler and hose attachment points.
Please bring this letter with you on the day of your appointment.
The dealership will install a special cover on the engine oil cooler that will protect the cooler and hoses in these types of front impacts. While this
procedure takes about 20 minutes to complete, the dealership may need to keep your car longer because of the flow of work in and out of their service
department.
IV. What if you have a problem getting this recall performed?
Saab's Customer Assistance Center is available to assist you in resolving any such problem and may be contacted toll free at 1-800-955-9007. You may
also submit a complaint to the Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh St., SW Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at
800-424-9393 (Washington, DC residents may call 366-0123), if you believe that Saab Cars USA, Inc. or any authorized Saab dealer has failed or is
unable to remedy this defect within a reasonable time, which is not longer than 60 days after you first bring your car to your dealer after October 25,
1994.
