Saab 9 5 MOT Failures
An analysis of 115,100 real DVSA MOT tests on the Saab 9 5 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MK1 (1997–2009), MK2 (2010–2012).
Where the Saab 9 5 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Saab 9 5 is emissions failure — this model is 79 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 115,100 MOT tests, 3.44% of all Saab 9 5 tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include suspension component damaged or corroded (22x the fleet average), subframe bushes or mounts worn (19x the fleet average), headlight fault (13x the fleet average), and abs fault (29x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Saab 9 5's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension, Lights & Electrics, Brakes, Bodywork. If you're inspecting a Saab 9 5 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Saab 9 5's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Saab 9 5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are brake hoses perished or damaged (31x the average) and suspension component damaged or corroded (22x). subframe bushes or mounts worn (19x) and fluid leak (10x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Saab 9 5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (79x the average) and fuel system leaking or a risk of fire (35x). abs fault (29x) and stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (29x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Saab 9 5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (23x the average) and stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (20x). emissions failure (17x) and suspension ball joints worn (16x) also appear frequently.
The shift from brake hoses perished or damaged at lower mileages to abs fault at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Saab 9 5 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Fuel system leaking excessively (MK1 1.9 TiD and 2.3 Turbo) Dangerous
The 9-5 shows MOT failure rates 34.6 times higher than the fleet average for fuel system leaks that pose a fire risk. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points Dangerous
The 9-5 shows MOT failure rates 8.4 times higher than the fleet average for structural corrosion within 30cm of suspension mounting points. Affects MK1, MK2; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£1,500.
Brake hose ferrule corrosion Major
The 9-5 shows MOT failure rates 30.6 times higher than the fleet average for brake hose ferrule corrosion. Affects MK1, MK2; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.
Suspension bushes and joints excessive wear Major
The 9-5 shows MOT failure rates 27.4 times higher than the fleet average for suspension bush and joint wear. Affects MK1, MK2; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Saab 9 5 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Saab 9 5
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Saab 9 5:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Suspension — check for suspension component damaged or corroded, subframe bushes or mounts worn. Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault, stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/....
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about fuel system leaking excessively and structural corrosion around suspension mounting points. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Saab 9 5?
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Saab 9 5 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Saab 9 5?
Based on 115,100 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 79x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include suspension component damaged or corroded and subframe bushes or mounts worn.
Is the Saab 9 5 reliable based on MOT data?
The Saab 9 5 has 15 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag fuel system leaking excessively as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Saab 9 5 most commonly fails on abs fault and stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are brake hoses perished or damaged and suspension component damaged or corroded.
How do I check a Saab 9 5's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.