2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

872 MOT tests in 2024. 62.3% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time62.3%
Failed or needed repairs37.7%
Typical mileage at test126,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 872 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.1%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.2%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.3%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    25 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics31.0%
  2. Brakes18.8%
  3. Suspension15.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.4%
  5. Body & chassis8.7%
  6. Tyres7.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  8. Steering2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine25.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn14.1%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.0%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2005 Saab 9-5?

In 2024, 62.3% of 2005 Saab 9-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 872 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Saab 9-5?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 Saab 9-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).