2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

814 MOT tests in 2024. 63.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time63.3%
Failed or needed repairs36.7%
Typical mileage at test104,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 814 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.5%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.4%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.2%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.6%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.3%
  7. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.0%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.0%
  9. Headlamp: not working on main beam2.0%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes24.0%
  2. Lights & electrics19.3%
  3. Suspension16.2%
  4. Body & chassis9.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.5%
  6. Tyres6.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine23.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.9%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.5%

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 2002 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 63.3% of 2002 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 814 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 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 brakes.

Is the 2002 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).