2003 Saab 9-5 · 1,877 MOT tests
2003 Saab 9-5 reliability
2003 Saab 9-5s fail 40.3% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 13 9-5 years (1,877 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 40.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 130,287
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,877
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.1% of tests fail here (34% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.9%
- Suspension14.5%
- Brakes11%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.3%
- Body, chassis and structure7.1%
- Tyres6.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.01%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.69%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 4.32%
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 4%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.98%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Main beam headlamp not working 2.4%
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 (22.43%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.12%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.2%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.4%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.39%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.59%)
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 2003 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2003 Saab 9-5s fail 40.3% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 13 9-5 years (1,877 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.01% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.69% of tests), position lamp not working (4.32% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Saab 9-5 shows 130,287 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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