Saab reliability and common MOT problems by model
Saab shows a 25.0% combined MOT failure rate across 70,005 tests in Motintel data. 9 3 has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 25.3%. 9 3 deserves extra checking at 25.3%.
Data sources: DVSA MOT records, official recall records, and MOT fault wording snapshots (2026-04-27, 2026-04-29, rfr_codes_2025-05-12, failure items 2023). Search-indexed model pages must clear 20,000 MOT tests and 10,000 vehicles.
Saab combined failure rate: 25.0% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #44 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest).
Which Saab models look strongest?
9 3 (25.3%)
Which Saab models need extra caution?
9 3 (25.3%)
Most reliable Saab models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saab 9 3 | 25.3% | 55,374 tests | 41,606 vehicles |
Saab models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saab 9 3 | 25.3% | 55,374 tests | 41,606 vehicles |
Common Saab MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 24,681 MOT notes | 1 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Saab 9 3 |
| 2 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 14,082 MOT notes | 1 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Saab 9 3 |
| 3 | Suspension and steering | 13,699 MOT notes | 1 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Saab 9 3 |
| 4 | Lights and electrical | 9,163 MOT notes | 1 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Saab 9 3 |
| 5 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 4,691 MOT notes | 1 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Saab 9 3 |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 1,013 MOT notes | 1 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Saab 9 3 |
All Saab model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 3 | 55,374 | 41,606 | 25.3% |
| 9 5 limited data | 11,522 | 8,844 | 23.6% |
| 900 limited data | 3,109 | 2,320 | 25.1% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.