2004 Saab 9-5 · 2,954 MOT tests
2004 Saab 9-5 reliability
2004 Saab 9-5s fail 39.4% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 13 9-5 years (2,954 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 39.4%
- 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 18
- 128,281
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,954
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 9.1% of tests fail here (19% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 57% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.9%
- Suspension13.7%
- Brakes10.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.1%
- Tyres7.6%
- Body, chassis and structure5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.08%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.5%
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 3.99%
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 3.18%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.61%
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 2.37%
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 (18.58%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.42%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.54%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.21%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.55%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.85%)
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 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2004 Saab 9-5s fail 39.4% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 13 9-5 years (2,954 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.08% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.5% of tests), position lamp not working (3.99% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Saab 9-5 shows 128,281 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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