Saab 900 Reliability and Common Problems
What the Saab 900 fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 5,770 MOT tests across 9 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: family car | Fuel: Petrol
75%
Saab 900 pass rate
75%
Saab average
82%
All-model average
The Saab 900 has an average MOT pass rate of 75%, which is equal to the Saab average and 7 points below the average across all models in our data. The Saab 900 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
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What the Saab 900 Fails Its MOT On
Of the 760 MOT tests on the Saab 900 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Lights and electrics
50%Cars and vans the same age: 51% · Typical repair £15-£200
Brakes
38%Cars and vans the same age: 33% · Typical repair £80-£450
Suspension
25%Cars and vans the same age: 30% · Typical repair £150-£600
Body, chassis and structure
24%Cars and vans the same age: 27% · Typical repair £200-£1200
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
21%Cars and vans the same age: 20% · Typical repair £10-£350
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (14% of failed tests, brakes)
- Suspension mounting area corroded, significantly reducing its strength (14% of failed tests, suspension)
- Side repeaters: not working (10% of failed tests, lights and electrics)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
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Saab 900 Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
Saab 900 Running Costs
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Saab 900 FAQ
What are the most common Saab 900 problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Saab 900 that failed at the first attempt most often failed on lights and electrics (50% of the 760 failed tests), brakes (38%) and suspension (25%). The single most common fault was "Parking brake efficiency below requirements" (14%). Across 5,770 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 75% ended in a pass.
Is the Saab 900 reliable?
The Saab 900 has an average MOT pass rate of 75%, from 5,770 MOT tests. That is 7 points below the average across all models in our data (82%), so budget for potential repairs. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Saab 900 is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 1998 Saab 900 has the highest MOT pass rate: 77% of its 266 tests ended in a pass. The 1994 has the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Saab 900 faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Saab 900 typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
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Other Saab Models
Common problems pages for other Saab models