1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Saab 900 MOT pass rate and common faults

234 MOT tests in 2024. 68.8% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time68.8%
Failed or needed repairs31.2%
Typical mileage at test141,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 234 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.1%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  6. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.0%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.6%
  9. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded2.1%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.5%
  2. Brakes20.5%
  3. Suspension14.1%
  4. Body & chassis9.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.4%
  6. Steering5.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.0%
  8. Tyres2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.5%
  3. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded8.1%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.3%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.3%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 1991 Saab 900?

In 2024, 68.8% of 1991 Saab 900 cars passed their MOT first time, across 234 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Saab 900?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1991 Saab 900 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).