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Saab 9-5 reliability by build year

Coverage 2001-20122 named generationsSaloonPETROL / DIESEL

We've only got 1,101 MOT tests for Saab 9-5 models built around 2008 (17 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Saab 9-5 built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Saab 9-5 models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Saab 9-5 by number plate

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on Saab 9-5 models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 27% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Saab 9-5 models built around 2008 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Saab 9-5's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 9-5's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Y

YS3G (2010-2012)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

23.5% fail rate, built around 2011 (14 years old)

Likely between 20.4% and 27.0%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 29%)

From 620 MOT tests at this ageView details →
9-5 YS3E (facelift)

YS3E (facelift) (2001-2009)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

26.3% fail rate, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.2%)

From 1,101 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Saab 9-5.

See every build year for the Saab 9-5

Side-by-side

Saab 9-5 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
YS3G (2010-2012)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate23.5%likely between 20.4% and 27.0%built around 2011 (14 years old)from 620 MOT tests at this age
YS3E (facelift) (2001-2009)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate26.3%built around 2008 (17 years old)from 1,101 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the 9-5, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Saab 9-5 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Saab 9-5 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
8920.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
62023.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
72423.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
81024.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,10126.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,08728.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,03728.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
89829.3%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
65327.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
47229.4%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
42030.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
33425.8%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
46526.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 23 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 17-year-old Saab 9-5 models

These issues come from 17-year-old Saab 9-5 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    28.6%
    Advisory: 314Fail: 8 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    25.2%
    Advisory: 405Fail: 80 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.3%
    Advisory: 349Fail: 34 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    19.5%
    Advisory: 456Fail: 12 (3% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    12.3%
    Advisory: 188Fail: 3 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,101 MOT tests on 17-year-old Saab 9-5 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 17-year-old Saab 9-5 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension35%
  2. Suspension + Tyres28%
  3. Brakes + Tyres24%
  4. Emissions & exhaust + Suspension24%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 714 MOT tests on Saab 9-5 cars built around 2008 (17 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Saab 9-5.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

1 of the 4 Saab 9-5 recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical

Top concerns

  • Fuel may leak - fire may occur

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 26.3% for the Saab 9-5, both built around 2008.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,033 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%

    Lower fail rate: 23.1%, against 26.3% for the Saab 9-5, both built around 2008.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,065 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Chrysler 300

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.3%

    No clear edge over the Saab 9-5 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,092 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.8%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 23.3%, against 26.3% for the Saab 9-5, both built around 2008.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,185 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Saab 9-5 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,101 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Saab 9-5 ever sold: 8,710 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2008 (17 years old): 1,101 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.