1971 Saab V4 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for V4 models manufactured in 1971, based on 68 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1971 Saab V4 MOT Analysis
The 1971 Saab V4 has an MOT pass rate of 48.5% based on 68 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 74,809 miles on the odometer. With a 51.5% failure rate, the 1971 V4 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 Saab V4 is Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems, responsible for 2.9% 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. Suspension is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 1.5%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall V4 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 | 2.9% | 2 |
| 2 | Suspension | 2.9% | 2 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 1.5% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 74,809 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 0.39 | 2.9% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.39 | 2.9% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.20 | 1.5% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 Saab V4 has an MOT pass rate of 48.5% based on 68 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 74,809 miles on the odometer. With a 51.5% failure rate, the 1971 V4 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 Saab V4, 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. At 74,809 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 2.9% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1971 Saab V4 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.
Suspension — 2.9% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1971 Saab V4 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.
Driver's View of the Road — 1.5% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 1.5% of MOT failures on 1971 Saab V4 models. Driver's View of the Road 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.