1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

270 MOT tests in 2024. 64.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time64.1%
Failed or needed repairs35.9%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 270 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.8%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.7%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.3%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  7. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.2%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.2%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.9%
    10 marked dangerous
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes25.6%
  2. Lights & electrics15.2%
  3. Body & chassis12.2%
  4. Suspension11.1%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags5.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  8. Tyres4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.8%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases14.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.7%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.2%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.9%

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.

All 9-3 years1999 9-3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 64.1% of 1998 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 270 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

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