MOT failure data · 2025
Saab 9-3 MOT problems
Across every Saab 9-3 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 7.72% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 25.77%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Saab 9-3 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 7.72% |
| 2 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.08% |
| 3 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 2.89% |
| 4 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 2.81% |
| 5 | Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 2.75% |
| 6 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.65% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.63% |
| 8 | Exhaust system has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body, chassis, structure | 2.55% |
| 9 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 2.33% |
| 10 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.32% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Saab 9-3, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Saab 9-3 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Saab 9-3?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Saab models
Saab 9-3 MOT FAQs
What does a Saab 9-3 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Saab 9-3 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 7.72% of failure items.
Does this mean my Saab 9-3 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Saab 9-3 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Saab 9-3 passed 69.01% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Saab 9-3's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate · used Saab 9-3 buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.