Saab 9-5
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 15 years from 14,987 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests
14,987
Best Year
2012 (88%)
Years Covered
15
About the Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 has been tested 14,987 times in 2026 MOT data across 15 model years (1998 to 2012), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the national average of 82%. Available as petrol and diesel.
Best and Worst Years
The 2012 model is the most reliable with a 88% pass rate from 50 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 71%. With a 17 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.
Reliability Trend
Newer SAAB 9-5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 118,343 miles, while the newest (2012) averages 91,077 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2012 detailsHow reliable is the Saab 9-5?
Saab 9-5 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 88% | 50 | 91,077 mi | |
| 2011 | 85% | 622 | 110,433 mi | |
| 2010 | 83% | 1,096 | 112,776 mi | |
| 2009 | 79% | 1,050 | 116,189 mi | |
| 2008 | 79% | 1,659 | 122,813 mi | |
| 2007 | 77% | 1,891 | 123,119 mi | |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,825 | 130,088 mi | |
| 2005 | 74% | 1,671 | 129,775 mi | |
| 2004 | 73% | 1,364 | 131,575 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 869 | 134,877 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 828 | 125,369 mi | |
| 2001 | 77% | 620 | 122,330 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 519 | 127,259 mi | |
| 1999 | 79% | 601 | 126,506 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 322 | 118,343 mi |
Saab 9-5 Guides & Articles
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Checking a specific Saab 9-5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.