2010 Saab 9-3 · 12,492 MOT tests
2010 Saab 9-3 reliability
2010 Saab 9-3s fail 32.5% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 14 9-3 years (12,492 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 32.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 104,956
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 12,492
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- 2011 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 16.5% of tests fail here (7% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.5%
- Brakes7.4%
- Lights and electrics7%
- Tyres6.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 8.21%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.41%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 1.86%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.75%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Diesel smoke above limit, post-2008 1.71%
Excess diesel smoke can point to poor combustion or engine wear, which can be costly, so check before buying.
Exhaust has major gas leak 1.57%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.03%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.27%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.89%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.89%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.98%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (4.8%)
Other years
Every Saab 9-3 year
The full picture: Saab 9-3 reliability. Before you pay for any Saab 9-3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2010 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2010 Saab 9-3s fail 32.5% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 14 9-3 years (12,492 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (8.21% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.41% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn (1.86% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 Saab 9-3 shows 104,956 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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