Saab Common MOT Problems (2026)
Saab models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 94,108 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Saab MOT pass rate: 75%
Check Your Saab's MOT History
See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
75%
Avg pass rate
25%
Avg fail rate
13
Models tested
Saab Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
Most Reliable Saab Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
All Saab Models by Fail Rate
Every Saab model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-5 | 2002 | 71% | 28% | |
| 9-5 | 1998 | 73% | 27% | |
| 9-3 | 2002 | 74% | 26% | |
| 9-5 | 2004 | 73% | 26% | |
| 900 | 1993 | 73% | 26% | |
| 9-5 | 2003 | 74% | 26% | |
| 9-3 | 2006 | 74% | 25% | |
| 9-3 | 2005 | 75% | 25% | |
| 9-3 | 2004 | 74% | 25% | |
| 9-3 | 2003 | 74% | 25% | |
| 9-5 | 2005 | 74% | 25% | |
| 900 | 1996 | 74% | 25% | |
| 9000 Cse | 1997 | 75% | 25% | |
| 9-3 | 2007 | 76% | 24% | |
| 9-5 | 2006 | 75% | 24% | |
| 9-3 | 2000 | 76% | 24% | |
| 900 | 1992 | 75% | 24% | |
| 9-3 | 1998 | 75% | 24% | |
| 900 | 1990 | 75% | 24% | |
| 9-3 | 2008 | 76% | 23% | |
| 9-3 | 2009 | 77% | 23% | |
| 9-3 | 2001 | 76% | 23% | |
| 900 | 1997 | 76% | 23% | |
| 900 | 1991 | 76% | 23% | |
| 9-5 | 2000 | 76% | 23% | |
| 9-3 | 2010 | 78% | 22% | |
| 9-5 | 2007 | 77% | 22% | |
| 9-3 | 1999 | 77% | 22% | |
| 9-3 | 2011 | 78% | 21% | |
| 9-5 | 2008 | 79% | 21% | |
| 9-5 | 2001 | 77% | 21% | |
| 9-5 | 2009 | 79% | 20% | |
| 9-5 | 1999 | 79% | 20% | |
| 9-5 | 2010 | 83% | 17% | |
| 9-5 | 2011 | 85% | 14% |
Saab MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Saab cars?
The most common MOT problems on Saab cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Saab diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Saab models with at least 1,000 tests, the Saab 9-3 has the highest average fail rate at 24%. The Saab 900 is level on 24%.
Which Saab model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Saab 9-5 has the best MOT record of the Saab models with at least 1,000 tests: 77% of its 14,987 MOT tests ended in a pass and 23% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Saab?
The average MOT pass rate for Saab is 75%, based on 94,108 MOT tests across 13 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 25% of MOT tests on Saab cars ended in a fail.
Saab Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Saab model
Check a Specific Saab
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.