1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Saab 900 MOT pass rate and common faults

272 MOT tests in 2024. 65.1% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time65.1%
Failed or needed repairs34.9%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 272 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.1%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  4. Washers: not working2.9%
  5. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive2.9%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%
  8. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.6%
  9. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded2.2%
  10. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.7%
  2. Brakes23.5%
  3. Suspension16.2%
  4. Body & chassis11.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.6%
  7. Steering3.7%
  8. Tyres2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine26.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.5%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.0%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 900 years1991 900 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Saab 900?

In 2024, 65.1% of 1990 Saab 900 cars passed their MOT first time, across 272 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Saab 900?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Saab 900 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).