1999 Saab 9-3 Se MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 9-3 Se models manufactured in 1999, based on 31 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1999 Saab 9-3 Se MOT Analysis
The 1999 Saab 9-3 Se has an MOT pass rate of 48.4% based on 31 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 131,154 miles on the odometer. With a 51.6% failure rate, the 1999 9-3 Se is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1999 Saab 9-3 Se is Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems, responsible for 3.2% of failures. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs range from £50–200 per belt. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions is the second most common issue at 3.2%.
Top failures specific to 1999 models only. The overall 9-3 Se page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 3.2% | 1 |
| 2 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 3.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 131,154 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 0.25 | 3.2% | 1 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.25 | 3.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1999 Saab 9-3 Se has an MOT pass rate of 48.4% based on 31 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 131,154 miles on the odometer. With a 51.6% failure rate, the 1999 9-3 Se is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1999 Saab 9-3 Se, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to seat belts and supplementary restraint systems: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard. With an average mileage of 131,154 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 3.2% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1999 Saab 9-3 Se models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 3.2% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1999 Saab 9-3 Se models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.