1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

194 MOT tests in 2024. 66.0% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time66.0%
Failed or needed repairs34.0%
Typical mileage at test124,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 194 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.1%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.6%
  3. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    11 marked dangerous
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    5 marked dangerous
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.5%
  10. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.1%
  2. Lights & electrics18.6%
  3. Suspension12.9%
  4. Tyres5.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  6. Body & chassis5.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.0%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.9%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.4%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 9-5 years2000 9-5 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Saab 9-5?

In 2024, 66.0% of 1999 Saab 9-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 194 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Saab 9-5?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1999 Saab 9-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).