1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Saab 900 MOT pass rate and common faults

255 MOT tests in 2024. 64.7% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time64.7%
Failed or needed repairs35.3%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 255 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.1%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.1%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.9%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    13 marked dangerous
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.0%
  7. Side repeaters: not working2.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  9. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.6%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.5%
  2. Suspension13.3%
  3. Body & chassis12.9%
  4. Brakes12.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  7. Tyres5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.2%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1996 900All 900 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Saab 900?

In 2024, 64.7% of 1997 Saab 900 cars passed their MOT first time, across 255 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Saab 900?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; coil spring: fractured or broken; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Saab 900 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).