2005 Saab 9-5 · 3,556 MOT tests
2005 Saab 9-5 reliability
2005 Saab 9-5s fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 13 9-5 years (3,556 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 38.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 125,768
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,556
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.4% of tests fail here (11% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 49% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.7%
- Suspension13%
- Brakes11.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.4%
- Body, chassis and structure7%
- Tyres6.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 6.02%
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 4.75%
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 4.44%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.57%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
CV joint boot split or insecure 2.5%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Main beam headlamp not working 2.28%
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 (21.4%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.78%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.02%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.32%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (9.34%)
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 2005 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2005 Saab 9-5s fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 13 9-5 years (3,556 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (6.02% of tests), position lamp not working (4.75% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.44% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Saab 9-5 shows 125,768 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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