At a Glance
The Saab 96 has 13 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Suspension component mounting corroded being the most reported. Brakes is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 5K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →
Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Saab 96 — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.
Saab 96 MOT Pass Rate
Across 5K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Saab 96 (1960–1980) has a fail rate of 33.9%.
All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%
Common Saab 96 Problems
Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.
Suspension component mounting corroded
625
occurrences
Brake performance below minimum
486
occurrences
Windscreen washer not working
277
occurrences
Number plate lamp not working
210
occurrences
Exhaust system fault
180
occurrences
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Saab 96 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Saab 96 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Problems by mileage
Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Saab 96, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.
264 distinct problems · 7,170 total occurrences in current filter
Filter by fuel and engine size to narrow down to your car.
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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Saab 96 problems?
Based on DVSA MOT data for the Saab 96 96 (1960–1980), we have identified 13 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Brakes is the most common MOT failure category.
How reliable is the Saab 96?
This generation has 5K MOT tests on record with a 33.9% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.
What commonly fails the MOT on a Saab 96?
There are 98 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the 96 (1960–1980), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.
Can I report a problem with my Saab 96?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Saab 96 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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