2001 Saab 9-3 (first used 2001) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 64.8% of Saab 9-3s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. Across 2,330 9-3 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Saab 9-3s first used in 2001 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2001 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 9-3s first used in 2001 against all cars first used in 2001 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 9-3 figure was 3.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2001 9-3 | All cars first used 2001 | 9-3 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 60.4% | 55.6% | 1,232 |
| 2022 | 63.6% | 57.4% | 1,043 |
| 2023 | 65.2% | 58.7% | 923 |
| 2024 | 62.8% | 59.4% | 756 |
| 2025 | 64.8% | 61.1% | 651 |
Common 2001 Saab 9-3 MOT failures
Share of the 831 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 13.5% | 112 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.6% | 88 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 10.5% | 87 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 10.3% | 86 |
| Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases | 8.4% | 70 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2001 Saab 9-3 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 2001 Saab 9-3 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2001 9-3s, as a share of all 2,330 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 21.0% | 489 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 11.9% | 277 |
| Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases | 11.8% | 274 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 11.2% | 260 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 10.9% | 254 |
Questions about the 2001 Saab 9-3 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2001 Saab 9-3?
In 2025, 64.8% of 9-3s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2001 9-3 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 34.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (33.8%) and suspension (30.1%). The single most common item was “Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength” (13.5%).
How often does a 2001 Saab 9-3 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 35.2% of first tests on 9-3s first used in 2001 did not pass first time: 29.3% failed, and a further 5.8% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 831 of 2,330 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2001 Saab 9-3 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 21.0% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (11.9%), “Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases” (11.8%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (11.2%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (10.9%).
Is a 2001 Saab 9-3 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 60.4% in 2021 to 64.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2001
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2001 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2001 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 2001 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2001 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2001 9-3?
The numbers above cover every 9-3 first used in 2001 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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