2004 Saab 9-3 (first used 2004) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 58.8% of Saab 9-3s first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 6,931 9-3 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Saab 9-3s first used in 2004 (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 2004 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 9-3s first used in 2004 against all cars first used in 2004 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 9-3 figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 9-3 | All cars first used 2004 | 9-3 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 55.9% | 53.9% | 4,092 |
| 2022 | 56.5% | 55.2% | 3,406 |
| 2023 | 58.8% | 56.0% | 2,806 |
| 2024 | 58.8% | 56.4% | 2,267 |
| 2025 | 58.8% | 57.8% | 1,858 |
Common 2004 Saab 9-3 MOT failures
Share of the 2,853 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 15.7% | 449 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 11.5% | 327 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 10.2% | 290 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 7.6% | 216 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 6.7% | 190 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 9-3 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2004 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.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- 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.
Common 2004 Saab 9-3 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 9-3s, as a share of all 6,931 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 25.1% | 1,740 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 15.3% | 1,062 |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened | 12.7% | 880 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 12.1% | 841 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 11.0% | 762 |
Questions about the 2004 Saab 9-3 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 Saab 9-3?
In 2025, 58.8% of 9-3s first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2004 9-3 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 50.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (36.6%) and brakes (28.6%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (15.7%).
How often does a 2004 Saab 9-3 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 41.2% of first tests on 9-3s first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 33.6% failed, and a further 7.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,853 of 6,931 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 Saab 9-3 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 25.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (15.3%), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (12.7%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (12.1%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (11.0%).
Is a 2004 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 55.9% in 2021 to 58.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2004
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2004 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2004 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2004 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2004 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2004 9-3?
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