At a Glance
The Saab 9-5 has 9 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (1997-2010) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 563K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Saab 9-5 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Saab 9-5 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Saab 9-5 Generations
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Most Common Saab 9-5 MOT Failures
Every reason Saab 9-5 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 12.24% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.36% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.79% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 7.72% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.48% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 6.15% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.94% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.40% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.84% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.81% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 2.72% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 2.61% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.17% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 1.76% |
| 15 | Position lamp not working | 1.74% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 1.58% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.47% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.44% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.38% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.35% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.31% |
| 22 | Fog lamp not working | 1.23% |
| 23 | Seat belt condition | 1.00% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 0.98% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.97% |
| 26 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.96% |
| 27 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.93% |
| 28 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.91% |
| 29 | Track rod end worn | 0.85% |
| 30 | Rear lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 31 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.70% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.62% |
| 33 | ABS fault | 0.57% |
| 34 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.37% |
| 35 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.31% |
| 36 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.27% |
| 37 | Horn not working | 0.27% |
| 38 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.26% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.26% |
| 40 | Front suspension fault | 0.26% |
| 41 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.26% |
| 42 | Airbag warning light on | 0.25% |
| 43 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.24% |
| 44 | Brake lever fault | 0.24% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 46 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 47 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 48 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.21% |
| 49 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.17% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.16% |
| 51 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 52 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.14% |
| 53 | Rear suspension fault | 0.14% |
| 54 | Chassis condition | 0.13% |
| 55 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.13% |
| 56 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 57 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 58 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.11% |
| 59 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.11% |
| 60 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.10% |
| 61 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.10% |
| 62 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.09% |
| 64 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 65 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.09% |
| 66 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Brake fluid leak | 0.08% |
| 68 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 70 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 71 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 74 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 75 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 76 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 77 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 78 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 79 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 80 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake pedal fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 88 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 89 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 92 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 94 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 95 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 97 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.01% |
| 99 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 102 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 104 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 109 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 112 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 140 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 163 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 177 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 180 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 183 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 183 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Saab 9-5 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Saab 9-5, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Saab 9-5 problems?
Based on analysis of 563K Saab 9-5 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 9 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Headlamp defect (no aim check)". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Saab 9-5 generation has the most problems?
The Saab 9-5 Mk1 (1997-2010) (1997–2010) has the highest number of identified common problems (11). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Saab 9-5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Saab 9-5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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