1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Saab 900 MOT pass rate and common faults

142 MOT tests in 2024. 64.1% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time64.1%
Failed or needed repairs35.9%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 142 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.2%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  4. Side repeaters: not working3.5%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.5%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.8%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.8%
  9. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded2.1%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.9%
  2. Suspension17.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.8%
  4. Brakes14.1%
  5. Body & chassis9.9%
  6. Tyres4.9%
  7. Steering2.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases18.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure17.6%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.6%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Saab 900?

In 2024, 64.1% of 1996 Saab 900 cars passed their MOT first time, across 142 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Saab 900?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 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).