At a Glance
The Saab 9000 has 37 identified common problems across 1 generation (1984–1998), with the All Years (1984-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 117K 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 9000 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 9000 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 9000 Generations
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Most Common Saab 9000 MOT Failures
Every reason Saab 9000 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 | 15.15% |
| 2 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.87% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 6.84% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.48% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.95% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.78% |
| 7 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.54% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.91% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.75% |
| 10 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.52% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.19% |
| 12 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.85% |
| 13 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.79% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.36% |
| 15 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.30% |
| 16 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.71% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.38% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.30% |
| 19 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.17% |
| 20 | Horn not working | 1.09% |
| 21 | Front suspension fault | 1.06% |
| 22 | Exhaust system fault | 1.03% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 0.93% |
| 24 | Brake performance below minimum | 0.89% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 0.83% |
| 26 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.82% |
| 27 | Fog lamp not working | 0.78% |
| 28 | Airbag warning light on | 0.71% |
| 29 | Steering rack fault | 0.68% |
| 30 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.65% |
| 31 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.65% |
| 32 | Chassis condition | 0.63% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.62% |
| 34 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.60% |
| 35 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.57% |
| 36 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.46% |
| 37 | ABS fault | 0.40% |
| 38 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.38% |
| 39 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.32% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 41 | Brake pedal fault | 0.28% |
| 42 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.27% |
| 43 | Indicator fault | 0.27% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.22% |
| 45 | Brake fluid leak | 0.20% |
| 46 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.20% |
| 47 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.20% |
| 48 | Brake lever fault | 0.19% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.18% |
| 50 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 51 | Electrical switch fault | 0.17% |
| 52 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.17% |
| 53 | Steering free play excessive | 0.16% |
| 54 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.16% |
| 55 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 56 | Steering operation fault | 0.13% |
| 57 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.12% |
| 58 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 59 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.11% |
| 60 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 62 | Rear lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 63 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 64 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 65 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 66 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 68 | Rear suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 71 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Parking brake condition | 0.05% |
| 73 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 74 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Towbar fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 79 | Power steering ram fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering drive system fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.04% |
| 85 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 87 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 90 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 91 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.03% |
| 92 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 94 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 96 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 104 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 106 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 107 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.01% |
| 109 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Driver seat fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 112 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 113 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 118 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 131 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 141 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 147 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 148 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 150 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 154 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Saab 9000 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Saab 9000, 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 9000 problems?
Based on analysis of 117K Saab 9000 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 37 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Saab 9000 generation has the most problems?
The Saab 9000 All Years (1984-1998) (1984–1998) 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 9000?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Saab 9000 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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