2009 · 15 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2009 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,676 MOT tests in 2024. 65.4% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time65.4%
Failed or needed repairs34.6%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,676 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
    139 marked dangerous
  3. On or after 01/07/2008: emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit2.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    122 marked dangerous
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.2%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    91 marked dangerous
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
  9. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension18.9%
  2. Brakes14.5%
  3. Lights & electrics11.1%
  4. Tyres7.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.4%
  6. Body & chassis5.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  8. Steering1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.5%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened9.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.6%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.2%

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 2009 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 65.4% of 2009 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,676 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; on or after 01/07/2008: emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2009 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).