2001 Saab 9-5 · 1,299 MOT tests
2001 Saab 9-5 reliability
2001 Saab 9-5s fail 35.6% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 13 9-5 years (1,299 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 35.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 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 21
- 120,963
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,299
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.6% of tests fail here (12% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 70% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.1%
- Suspension11.6%
- Brakes8.5%
- Body, chassis and structure7.5%
- Tyres6.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.16%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 2.69%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.54%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.39%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.31%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (22.32%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.24%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.7%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.31%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.93%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (8.85%)
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 2001 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2001 Saab 9-5s fail 35.6% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 13 9-5 years (1,299 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.16% of tests), position lamp not working (2.69% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Saab 9-5 shows 120,963 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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