1999 Saab 9-5 · 1,017 MOT tests
1999 Saab 9-5 reliability
1999 Saab 9-5s fail 34.3% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 13 9-5 years (1,017 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 34.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 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 24
- 121,733
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,017
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 5.7% of tests fail here (19% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 71% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.7%
- Brakes11.4%
- Suspension10.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.8%
- Tyres5.7%
- Body, chassis and structure5.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.85%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.75%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.16%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Position lamp not working 2.06%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.06%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Main beam headlamp not working 1.87%
A failed main beam reduces night-time visibility on unlit roads, so the headlamp should be repaired promptly.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.78%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.64%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.64%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.24%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (8.16%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.57%)
Other years
Every Saab 9-5 year
The full picture: Saab 9-5 reliability. Before you pay for any Saab 9-5, 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 1999 Saab 9-5 reliable?
1999 Saab 9-5s fail 34.3% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 13 9-5 years (1,017 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.85% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.75% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.16% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Saab 9-5 shows 121,733 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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