2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

325 MOT tests in 2024. 61.2% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time61.2%
Failed or needed repairs38.8%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 325 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    21 marked dangerous
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.2%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.2%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    7 marked dangerous
  8. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics17.5%
  2. Suspension15.7%
  3. Brakes11.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.8%
  6. Tyres6.8%
  7. Body & chassis6.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.3%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened11.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.1%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2001 Saab 9-5?

In 2024, 61.2% of 2001 Saab 9-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 325 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Saab 9-5?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Saab 9-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).