2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

428 MOT tests in 2024. 55.1% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time55.1%
Failed or needed repairs44.9%
Typical mileage at test124,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 428 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.2%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.0%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    19 marked dangerous
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.3%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.3%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics31.1%
  2. Suspension22.9%
  3. Brakes19.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  5. Tyres10.0%
  6. Body & chassis9.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine32.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.0%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2002 Saab 9-5?

In 2024, 55.1% of 2002 Saab 9-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 428 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Saab 9-5?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Saab 9-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).