At a Glance
The Saab 99 has 20 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 99 (1968-1984) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 5K 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 99 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 99 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Saab 99 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Saab 99 Generations
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Most Common Saab 99 MOT Failures
Every reason Saab 99 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 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.24% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 7.35% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.90% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.20% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.79% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 5.01% |
| 7 | Indicator fault | 4.68% |
| 8 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 3.66% |
| 9 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.33% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.67% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.38% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 2.18% |
| 13 | Position lamp not working | 1.93% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 1.81% |
| 15 | Seat belt condition | 1.77% |
| 16 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.68% |
| 17 | Brake caliper fault | 1.52% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.40% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.31% |
| 20 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.23% |
| 21 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.19% |
| 22 | Front suspension fault | 1.19% |
| 23 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.19% |
| 24 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.94% |
| 25 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.90% |
| 26 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.90% |
| 27 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.82% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.82% |
| 29 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.78% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.78% |
| 31 | Steering free play excessive | 0.78% |
| 32 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.74% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.74% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.74% |
| 35 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.70% |
| 36 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.66% |
| 37 | Steering rack fault | 0.66% |
| 38 | Brake fluid leak | 0.58% |
| 39 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.53% |
| 40 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.53% |
| 41 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.53% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.49% |
| 43 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.49% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.49% |
| 45 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.41% |
| 46 | Electrical switch fault | 0.41% |
| 47 | Steering column fault | 0.41% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.37% |
| 49 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.37% |
| 50 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.37% |
| 51 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 52 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.33% |
| 53 | Rear lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 54 | Steering arm worn | 0.33% |
| 55 | Brake lever fault | 0.29% |
| 56 | Front lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 57 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.29% |
| 58 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.29% |
| 59 | Steering operation fault | 0.29% |
| 60 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.29% |
| 61 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 62 | CV joint worn | 0.25% |
| 63 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.25% |
| 64 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.21% |
| 65 | Parking brake condition | 0.21% |
| 66 | Speedometer fault | 0.21% |
| 67 | Steering lock fault | 0.21% |
| 68 | Stop lamp not working | 0.21% |
| 69 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 70 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.16% |
| 71 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.16% |
| 72 | Fog lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 73 | Steering shaft fault | 0.12% |
| 74 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.12% |
| 75 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 76 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 77 | Steering coupling worn | 0.12% |
| 78 | Towbar fault | 0.12% |
| 79 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 81 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.08% |
| 82 | Driver seat fault | 0.08% |
| 83 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.08% |
| 84 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.08% |
| 85 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 86 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.08% |
| 87 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 88 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 89 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Brake servo fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 92 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 93 | Power steering ram fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 96 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 97 | Transmission oil leak | 0.04% |
| 98 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.04% |
| 99 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
Showing all 99 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Saab 99 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Saab 99, 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 99 problems?
Based on analysis of 5K Saab 99 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 20 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Saab 99 generation has the most problems?
The Saab 99 99 (1968-1984) (1968–1984) has the highest number of identified common problems (23). 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 99?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Saab 99 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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