1999 Saab 9-5 — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 1,531 MOT tests analysed for the 1999 Saab 9-5, the most common recorded failure areas were lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes. Its pass rate of 75.8% was in line with the average for cars of a similar age (75.5%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 28.5% in the 150k+ group versus 10.8% in the 30-60k group.

Pass rate

1,531

MOT tests analysed

24.2%

Fail rate

in line with

vs cars of similar age

23.6

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 1999 Saab 9-5
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Lighting & signalling	14.2%	218
2	Suspension	10.3%	157
3	Brakes	9.8%	150
4	Visibility	6.3%	96
5	Body, structure & corrosion	5.9%	91
6	Tyres	5.2%	79

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 1999 Saab 9-5
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Wipers	78
2	Rigid brake pipes	69
3	Headlamp	64
4	Rbt (sp)	64
5	Component mounting prescribed areas	59
6	Headlamp aim	53

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 1999 Saab 9-5
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Suspension	40.4%	619
2	Brakes	32.1%	492
3	Emissions & environmental	26.4%	404
4	Tyres	24.5%	375
5	Body, structure & corrosion	17.9%	274
6	Other defects	14.2%	217

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 1999 9-5
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
30-60k	74	10.8%
60-90k	245	14.7%
90-120k	378	25.4%
120-150k	382	27.0%
150k+	438	28.5%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 1999 9-5
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2021	471	28.0%
2022	349	26.1%
2023	287	20.9%
2024	233	21.0%
2025	191	20.4%

What to check before buying a 1999 9-5

Before buying a 1999 Saab 9-5, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Lighting & signalling accounted for 14.2% of tests for this year.

Lighting & signalling (14.2% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Suspension (10.3% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Brakes (9.8% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 1999 Saab 9-5s pass their MOT?

75.8% of the 1,531 1999 Saab 9-5 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 24.2% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 1999 Saab 9-5?

Lighting & signalling, recorded in 14.2% of tests, followed by suspension (10.3%).

Does the 1999 9-5 get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.8% in the 30-60k band to 28.5% in the 150k+ band.

Methodology & source. Based on 1,531 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.