Verdict
Saabs pass their MOT first time on 60.6% of tests, against 55.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. They beat 66% of cars on UK roads, ranking Saab 12th of 40 makes: better than average, and well ahead of Ford and Vauxhall.
Every Saab tested was first registered between 1989 and 2011, which is why the pass rate looks low; the comparison allows for age and mileage. The 9-5 does best, beating 72% of cars, and the 9-3, which makes up most Saab tests, beats 66%.
Saabs fail less often than typical on steering (about 0.6 times the typical rate), lights and electrics, seat belts and airbags and body and structure. Suspension is the most common fail, on about 1 in 6 tests, about the same as a typical car; emissions and leaks fail on about 1 in 15 tests, also about typical.
Where it fails
Every Saab compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage.
Every MOT area
Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).
Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.
Saab models
Models with 20,000+ MOT tests, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate. Light vans are included and tend to grade lower, partly from hard commercial use.
| Model first registered | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 1998–2011 | 60.4% | Beats 66% | B |
| 9-5 1999–2011 | 61.2% | Beats 72% | B |
FAQ
What is the Saab MOT pass rate?
60.6% of Saab MOT tests were passed first time, from 581,540 tests. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 55.8%, so Saab is about 5 points above average.
Is Saab reliable?
On MOT results Saab is better than average: it beats 66% of cars on UK roads and ranks 12th of 40 makes. Both the 9-3 and 9-5 beat about two in three cars or more once age and mileage are taken into account. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.
Why is the Saab pass rate so low?
Because every Saab is now old: they were first registered between 1989 and 2011. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes only 55.8%, so Saabs actually do better than average.
Is the Saab 9-3 or 9-5 more reliable?
The 9-5 beats 72% of cars on UK roads and the 9-3 66%, so the 9-5 does slightly better. Both pass their MOT more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage.
What do Saabs fail the MOT on?
Suspension (about 1 in 6 tests) and lights and electrics (about 1 in 7) most often. Compared with typical cars, steering fails about 40% less often and lights and electrics about 30% less often; emissions and leaks fail about as often as typical.