2002 Saab 9-5 · 1,698 MOT tests
2002 Saab 9-5 reliability
2002 Saab 9-5s fail 41.4% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 13 9-5 years (1,698 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 41.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 123,423
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,698
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.1% of tests fail here (37% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 58% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.4%
- Suspension13.4%
- Brakes11.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9%
- Body, chassis and structure8.2%
- Tyres7.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.89%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.71%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.18%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.12%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 3.06%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.89%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (25.38%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.13%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.66%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.19%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.54%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (8.24%)
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 2002 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2002 Saab 9-5s fail 41.4% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 13 9-5 years (1,698 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.89% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.71% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Saab 9-5 shows 123,423 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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