2011 Saab 9-3 · 8,587 MOT tests
2011 Saab 9-3 reliability
2011 Saab 9-3s fail 32.7% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 14 9-3 years (8,587 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2011 Saab 9-3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 32.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 104,419
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,587
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 17.4% of tests fail here (20% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.4%
- Brakes8.1%
- Lights and electrics6.9%
- Tyres6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Body, chassis and structure3.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 9.2%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.89%
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 1.78%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Exhaust has major gas leak 1.65%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Service brake excessively binding 1.61%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.53%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.15%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.28%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.46%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.92%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (5.16%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.75%)
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 2011 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2011 Saab 9-3s fail 32.7% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 14 9-3 years (8,587 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (9.2% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.89% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn (1.78% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Saab 9-3 shows 104,419 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Check a 2011 Saab 9-3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.