At a Glance
The Saab 900 has 49 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the NG900 (1994-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 273K 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 900 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 900 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 900 Generations
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Most Common Saab 900 MOT Failures
Every reason Saab 900 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 11.60% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 7.80% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 6.27% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.68% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.69% |
| 6 | Driveshaft fault | 4.46% |
| 7 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.75% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.69% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.57% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.48% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.41% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 2.82% |
| 13 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.80% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.51% |
| 15 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.15% |
| 16 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.07% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.83% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.74% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.61% |
| 20 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.53% |
| 21 | Fog lamp not working | 1.42% |
| 22 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.32% |
| 23 | Parking brake condition | 1.15% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.15% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.14% |
| 26 | Chassis condition | 1.05% |
| 27 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.97% |
| 28 | Position lamp not working | 0.93% |
| 29 | Indicator fault | 0.87% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.87% |
| 31 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.73% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.66% |
| 33 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.64% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.60% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.59% |
| 36 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.58% |
| 37 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.56% |
| 38 | Airbag warning light on | 0.47% |
| 39 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.41% |
| 40 | Rear lamp not working | 0.36% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.29% |
| 42 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.26% |
| 43 | Brake fluid leak | 0.26% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.26% |
| 45 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 47 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 49 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 50 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.17% |
| 51 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 52 | Rear suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 53 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.14% |
| 54 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.14% |
| 55 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 56 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.13% |
| 57 | Headlamp fault | 0.13% |
| 58 | Steering free play excessive | 0.11% |
| 59 | Steering operation fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 62 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 64 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Steering arm worn | 0.08% |
| 67 | Power steering pump fault | 0.08% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 69 | Electrical switch fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 71 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 73 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.06% |
| 74 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 76 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 77 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 79 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.05% |
| 81 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | CV joint worn | 0.04% |
| 83 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 87 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 88 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering drive system fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 95 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 96 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 97 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 98 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 99 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 108 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 109 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 111 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 113 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 116 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 119 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 129 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 132 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 142 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 153 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 163 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 166 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 167 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 168 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 172 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
Showing all 173 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Saab 900 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Saab 900, 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 900 problems?
Based on analysis of 273K Saab 900 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 49 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Saab 900 generation has the most problems?
The Saab 900 NG900 (1994-1998) (1994–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (49). 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 900?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Saab 900 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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