Saab 9-3 years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
No Saab 9-3 year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2005–2011. The other year can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2005–2011
- Can't be told apart from average2004
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 62.8% to 63.9%.
In 2025, 63.3% of the 28,696 initial MOT tests on Saab 9-3 cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 58.0%. That is 5.3 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific 9-3
Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011age 14 | 2,259111,200 | 66.8%±2.0 | +5.6 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 3,226110,000 | 66.0%±1.7 | +6.7 ptsall: 59.3% | |
| 2009age 16 | 3,331111,400 | 65.2%±1.7 | +6.9 ptsall: 58.3% | |
| 2008age 17 | 5,017120,900 | 63.9%±1.4 | +6.7 ptsall: 57.2% | |
| 2007age 18 | 5,774114,300 | 63.3%±1.3 | +5.9 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 4,403113,600 | 60.8%±1.5 | +3.8 ptsall: 57.0% | |
| 2005age 20 | 2,832111,600 | 61.1%±1.9 | +3.5 ptsall: 57.6% | |
| 2004age 21 | 1,854110,400 | 58.8%±2.3 | +1.0 ptsall: 57.8% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
76.2% of Saab 9-3 tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 59.1% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 68.6% and 54.5%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000–59,999 | 1,980 | 76.2%±2.0 | +7.6 ptsall: 68.6% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 5,551 | 68.0%±1.3 | +8.3 ptsall: 59.7% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 8,272 | 62.9%±1.1 | +7.9 ptsall: 55.0% |
| 120,000 or more | 12,630 | 59.1%±0.9 | +4.6 ptsall: 54.5% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, 9-3 tests were above average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Saab 9-3 tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000. 28 tests (0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common 9-3 problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Saab 9-3
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 18.0%1,899 tests | 8.4% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 8.8%931 tests | 13.7% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 7.0%742 tests | 4.4% |
| Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes | 6.6%694 tests | 6.2% |
| Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gasesBody, chassis, structure | 5.9%626 tests | 4.1% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 5.8%610 tests | 6.6% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 5.7%603 tests | 6.1% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 5.7%595 tests | 6.0% |
| Service brake performance excessively bindingBrakes | 5.1%538 tests | 3.8% |
| Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics | 5.1%537 tests | 8.0% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the 9-3's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a 9-3
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a 9-3's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Saab 9-3 cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.7% failed on tyres, against 4.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,349 and 11,928 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 23.2% of those with a tyre advisory and 20.4% of the others.
Brakes
Of Saab 9-3 cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 11.7% failed on brakes, against 6.8% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,276 and 11,996 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 25.2% of those with a brake advisory and 19.8% of the others.
Suspension
Of Saab 9-3 cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 18.3% failed on suspension, against 12.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,722 and 11,218 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 25.5% of those with a suspension advisory and 19.5% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataSaab 9-3 questions
Which Saab 9-3 years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2005–2011. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Saab 9-3 reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 63.3% of initial MOT tests on Saab 9-3 cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 58.0%. That is 5.3 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Saab 9-3 problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are suspension (in 43.4% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 35.8% of failed tests) and brakes (in 26.6% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 15-year-old Saab 9-3?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Saab 9-3 cars first used in 2010, about 15 years old, had a median of 110,000 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific 9-3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Saab 9-3
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Saab 9-3 cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count