Most Reliable Saab Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 52,944 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Saab models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
52,944 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Saab model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Saab 9-5
64.1% pass rate
Best Single Year
9-3 2009 Petrol
71.2% pass rate
Saab vs National Average
62.5% vs 71.5%
-9.0% below average
Proven Durability Champion
9-3 2009
+13.9% at 13+ years
Saab has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 52,944 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Saab models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Saab model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Saab Compares to Rivals
Saab ranks #63 out of 75 manufacturers with a 62.5% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
| Saab | 62.5% | #63 | 52,944 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Saab sits at #63. However, newer Saab models significantly outperform this average.
Best Saab Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Saab's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-5 | 64.1% | -7.4% | 8,598 | 2000-2011 |
| 9-3 | 62.0% | -9.5% | 41,599 | 2000-2011 |
Proven Durability Champions: Which Saab Models Age Best?
These Saab models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 | 2009 | Petrol | +13.9% | 13+ years | 71.2% |
| 9-3 | 2008 | Petrol | +10.6% | 13+ years | 67.8% |
| 9-3 | 2010 | Diesel | +8.9% | 13+ years | 66.2% |
| 9-3 | 2001 | Petrol | +8.5% | 13+ years | 65.8% |
| 9-5 | 2007 | Petrol | +8.1% | 13+ years | 65.4% |
| 9-5 | 2006 | Petrol | +7.8% | 13+ years | 65.1% |
| 9-3 | 2000 | Petrol | +7.5% | 13+ years | 64.8% |
| 9-3 | 2009 | Diesel | +7.1% | 13+ years | 64.4% |
| 9-5 | 2005 | Petrol | +6.9% | 13+ years | 64.2% |
| 9-3 | 2002 | Petrol | +6.7% | 13+ years | 64.0% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Saab 9-3: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The 9-3 has 41,599 tests in our database with an overall 62.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Petrol | 69.8% | +6.9% | 408 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 65.2% | +2.2% | 1,924 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 71.2% | +10.7% | 751 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 66.0% | +5.5% | 2,749 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 71.2% | +12.2% | 1,153 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 64.4% | +5.4% | 2,857 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 67.8% | +10.5% | 2,230 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 61.5% | +4.2% | 4,470 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 62.3% | +5.3% | 4,028 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 60.0% | +3.0% | 3,959 |
| 2006 | Petrol | 59.9% | +3.8% | 3,953 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 53.6% | -2.6% | 2,565 |
| ... | ||||
| 2006 | Petrol | 59.9% | +3.8% | 3,953 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 53.6% | -2.6% | 2,565 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 59.3% | +3.0% | 3,476 |
9-3 verdict: Avoid the 2006 petrol (59.9%).
Avoid early 9-3 models
The 2006 petrol 9-3 has a 59.9% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Saab Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Saab's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 63.2% | -8.3% | 27,967 |
| Diesel | 61.4% | -10.1% | 22,230 |
Saab Models to Avoid
Not all Saabs are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 | 2006 | Diesel | 53.6% (-6.3% vs same-age) | 2,565 |
| 9-3 | 2005 | Diesel | 55.2% (-4.6% vs same-age) | 677 |
| 9-3 | 2011 | Diesel | 65.2% (-1.3% vs same-age) | 1,924 |
| 9-3 | 2003 | Petrol | 59.3% (-0.5% vs same-age) | 1,124 |
| 9-3 | 2004 | Petrol | 59.0% (-0.9% vs same-age) | 2,550 |
| 9-3 | 2005 | Petrol | 59.3% (-0.6% vs same-age) | 3,476 |
| 9-3 | 2007 | Diesel | 60.0% (+0.1% vs same-age) | 3,959 |
| 9-3 | 2006 | Petrol | 59.9% (+0.1% vs same-age) | 3,953 |
| 9-3 | 2008 | Diesel | 61.5% (+1.7% vs same-age) | 4,470 |
| 9-3 | 2000 | Petrol | 64.8% | 779 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2000-2011 petrol/diesel 9-3s are the models that drag down Saab's average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Saabs?
When Saabs fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Suspension | 7,791 |
| 2. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7,058 |
| 3. Brakes | 5,285 |
| 4. Tyres | 3,483 |
| 5. Noise, emissions and leaks | 3,206 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 2,964 |
| 7. Visibility | 2,747 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Saab owners:
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check exhaust system for leaks and emissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- 9-3 2000-2010: +8% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- 9-5 2004-2008: +6% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Saab Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 52,944 tests on Saab vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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