2008 Saab 9-5 · 3,442 MOT tests
2008 Saab 9-5 reliability
2008 Saab 9-5s fail 34% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 13 9-5 years (3,442 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2008 Saab 9-5?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- 34%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-5s: 35.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 118,387
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,442
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 9.4% of tests fail here (47% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Saab 9-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15%
- Brakes10.4%
- Suspension10.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.4%
- Tyres7.2%
- Body, chassis and structure4.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.93%
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 3.11%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.64%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.53%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Stop lamp not working 1.95%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 1.86%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.02%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.01%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.73%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.56%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (6.19%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.67%)
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 2008 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2008 Saab 9-5s fail 34% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 13 9-5 years (3,442 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Saab 9-5 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.93% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.11% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Saab 9-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Saab 9-5 shows 118,387 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Check a 2008 Saab 9-5 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.