Saab 9-5

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 15 model years from 14,987 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests

14,987

Highest Pass Rate

2011 (85%)

Years Covered

About the Saab 9-5

The Saab 9-5 was MOT tested 14,987 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 15 model years (1998 to 2012), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 85% from 622 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 71%. The 14 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Saab 9-5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

Fuel (Petrol, 2792cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2012 details

How reliable is the Saab 9-5?

vs average of all models-4% (82% avg)

vs Saab brand average+3% (75% avg)

Best to worst year spread14 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

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

Questions about the Saab 9-5

Is the Saab 9-5 reliable?

Across its 15 model years in our data (1998 to 2012), the Saab 9-5 averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 14,987 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2011 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 85%.

Which year Saab 9-5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Saab 9-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 71%, a 14 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.