2011 · 13 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2011 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,395 MOT tests in 2024. 67.3% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time67.3%
Failed or needed repairs32.7%
Typical mileage at test108,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,395 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken9.1%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened2.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    69 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    57 marked dangerous
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  8. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.8%
  9. Washers: not working1.5%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension22.2%
  2. Brakes13.1%
  3. Lights & electrics8.9%
  4. Tyres5.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks4.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  7. Body & chassis4.3%
  8. Steering1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.3%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened11.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.5%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.7%

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 2011 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 67.3% of 2011 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,395 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2011 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).