2010 · 14 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2010 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,451 MOT tests in 2024. 67.3% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time67.3%
Failed or needed repairs32.7%
Typical mileage at test108,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,451 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.6%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    110 marked dangerous
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.0%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
    83 marked dangerous
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%
  7. On or after 01/07/2008: emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit1.7%
  8. Washers: not working1.4%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.2%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension20.4%
  2. Brakes12.0%
  3. Lights & electrics8.5%
  4. Tyres6.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks5.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  7. Body & chassis4.3%
  8. Steering1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.9%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened11.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.8%

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 2010 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 67.3% of 2010 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,451 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; service brake performance: excessively binding; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2010 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).