Saab 900 MOT Failures
An analysis of 63,256 real DVSA MOT tests on the Saab 900 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: Classic (1971–1993), NG900 (1994–1998).
Where the Saab 900 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Saab 900 is brake hoses perished or damaged — this model is 46 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 63,256 MOT tests, 8.23% of all Saab 900 tests recorded this as a failure.
Brake failures on the MOT range from worn pads and discs (routine maintenance) to corroded brake lines and seized calipers (more serious). Check for any pulling under braking and listen for grinding.
Other notable weak points include headlight fault (61x the fleet average), power steering fault (38x the fleet average), abs fault (35x the fleet average), and light unit fault (30x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Saab 900'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 6 categories: Brakes, Lights & Electrics, Steering, Suspension, Seatbelts & Airbags and others. If you're inspecting a Saab 900 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 900'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 900 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are seat mounting fault (45x the average) and power steering fault (38x). light unit fault (16x) and abs fault (11x) 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 900 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are headlight fault (47x the average) and power steering fault (19x). light unit fault (19x) and suspension component damaged or corroded (10x) 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 900 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are headlight fault (61x the average) and emissions failure (36x). suspension ball joints worn (34x) and light unit fault (30x) also appear frequently.
The shift from seat mounting fault at lower mileages to headlight 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 900 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points Dangerous
The load-bearing structure within 30cm of suspension and subframe mounting points is prone to severe corrosion that compromises structural integrity. Affects Classic, NG900; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,000–£2,500.
Power steering system leaks and pump failure Major
The power steering system suffers from widespread seal failures in both the pump and rack, with MOT data showing this model fails at 11.7 times the fleet average for power steering malfunctions. Affects Classic, NG900; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.
Excessive emissions from catalytic converter failure Major
The catalytic converter fails at an exceptionally high rate on high-mileage examples, with MOT data showing emissions failures at This typically occurs due to catalyst substrate breakdown from thermal cycling and contamination from oil consumption in worn engines. Affects NG900; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£900.
Steering column top bearing wear Major
The upper steering column bearing wears excessively, creating dangerous play between the steering wheel and the column shaft. Affects Classic, NG900; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Saab 900 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Saab 900
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Saab 900:
Brakes — check for brake hoses perished or damaged. Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault. Steering — check for power steering fault. Suspension — check for abs fault, suspension component damaged or corroded.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about structural corrosion around suspension mounting points and power steering system leaks and pump failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,000. 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 900?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Saab 900 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Saab 900?
Based on 63,256 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is brake hoses perished or damaged — at 46x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include headlight fault and power steering fault.
Is the Saab 900 reliable based on MOT data?
The Saab 900 has 16 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag structural corrosion around suspension mounting points 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 900 most commonly fails on headlight fault and emissions failure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are seat mounting fault and power steering fault.
How do I check a Saab 900'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.