1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

495 MOT tests in 2024. 66.9% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time66.9%
Failed or needed repairs33.1%
Typical mileage at test102,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 495 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.4%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.4%
  5. Headlamp: not working on main beam2.2%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.0%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    18 marked dangerous
  10. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics21.0%
  2. Brakes15.4%
  3. Suspension14.9%
  4. Body & chassis9.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  7. Tyres4.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.3%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 66.9% of 1999 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 495 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).