1997 Saab 9-5 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 9-5 models manufactured in 1997, based on 1,603 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 9-5 cars tested in 1997. Want to see how cars built in 1997 hold up over time?
View 1997 Saab 9-5 vintage page → (59.6% current pass rate)1997 Saab 9-5 MOT Analysis
The 1997 Saab 9-5 has an MOT pass rate of 61.4% based on 1,603 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 120,677 miles on the odometer. With a 38.6% failure rate, the 1997 9-5 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Saab 9-5 is Suspension, responsible for 0.9% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 0.5%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 0.5%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall 9-5 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 | Suspension | 0.9% | 14 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.5% | 8 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.5% | 8 |
| 4 | Brakes | 0.2% | 4 |
| 5 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 0.1% | 2 |
| 6 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.1% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 120,677 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.07 | 0.9% | 14 |
| Seat Belts | 0.04 | 0.5% | 8 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.04 | 0.5% | 8 |
| Brakes | 0.02 | 0.2% | 4 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Saab 9-5 has an MOT pass rate of 61.4% based on 1,603 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 120,677 miles on the odometer. With a 38.6% failure rate, the 1997 9-5 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Saab 9-5, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 120,677 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 0.9% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1997 Saab 9-5 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 0.5% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1997 Saab 9-5 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.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 0.5% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1997 Saab 9-5 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.