1973 Saab 99 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 99 models manufactured in 1973, based on 46 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1973 Saab 99 MOT Analysis
The 1973 Saab 99 has an MOT pass rate of 80.4% based on 46 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 70,366 miles on the odometer. With a 19.6% failure rate, the 1973 99 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1973 Saab 99 is Brakes, responsible for 10.9% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 6.5%. Non-component advisories follows at 2.2%.
Top failures specific to 1973 models only. The overall 99 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 | Brakes | 10.9% | 5 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 6.5% | 3 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 2.2% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 2.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 70,366 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.54 | 10.9% | 5 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.93 | 6.5% | 3 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.31 | 2.2% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.31 | 2.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1973 Saab 99 has an MOT pass rate of 80.4% based on 46 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 70,366 miles on the odometer. With a 19.6% failure rate, the 1973 99 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1973 Saab 99, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 70,366 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 10.9% of failures
Brakes issues account for 10.9% of MOT failures on 1973 Saab 99 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 6.5% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 6.5% of MOT failures on 1973 Saab 99 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.
Non-component advisories — 2.2% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 2.2% of MOT failures on 1973 Saab 99 models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.