2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

741 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 741 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.9%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.6%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low2.3%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.0%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.0%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.4%
  2. Lights & electrics18.4%
  3. Suspension14.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks9.0%
  5. Body & chassis8.5%
  6. Tyres7.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.9%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.9%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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 2001 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 63.2% of 2001 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 741 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2001 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).