2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

718 MOT tests in 2024. 61.1% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

108Well above average
Passed first time61.1%
Failed or needed repairs38.9%
Typical mileage at test127,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 718 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction5.3%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.3%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.1%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    23 marked dangerous
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.8%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.2%
  2. Suspension17.5%
  3. Brakes17.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  5. Tyres8.6%
  6. Body & chassis6.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine23.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.8%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.7%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.4%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2004 Saab 9-5?

In 2024, 61.1% of 2004 Saab 9-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 718 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Saab 9-5?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 108, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).