2007 · 17 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2007 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

6,738 MOT tests in 2024. 62.2% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time62.2%
Failed or needed repairs37.8%
Typical mileage at test115,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,738 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
    256 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    290 marked dangerous
  4. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension20.0%
  2. Lights & electrics18.2%
  3. Brakes15.7%
  4. Tyres8.6%
  5. Body & chassis7.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.5%
  8. Steering3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.6%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2007 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 62.2% of 2007 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,738 tests. The average for all 17-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2007 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2007 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).