2011 · 13 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2011 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

325 MOT tests in 2024. 77.2% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

125Well above average
Passed first time77.2%
Failed or needed repairs22.8%
Typical mileage at test107,000

Most common reasons for failing

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

  1. Position lamp: not working8.6%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    8 marked dangerous
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
    4 marked dangerous
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.2%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics18.2%
  2. Suspension8.0%
  3. Brakes6.8%
  4. Tyres5.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.4%
  6. Body & chassis2.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  8. Steering1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm21.2%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened11.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.8%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2011 Saab 9-5?

In 2024, 77.2% of 2011 Saab 9-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 325 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 Saab 9-5?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2011 Saab 9-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 125, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).