2011 Saab 9-3 (first used 2011) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 66.8% of Saab 9-3s first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. Across 7,294 9-3 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, brakes and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Saab 9-3s first used in 2011 (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 2011 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 9-3s first used in 2011 against all cars first used in 2011 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 9-3 figure was 5.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2011 9-3 | All cars first used 2011 | 9-3 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 67.6% | 65.8% | 2,740 |
| 2022 | 66.1% | 64.5% | 2,671 |
| 2023 | 66.6% | 63.0% | 2,596 |
| 2024 | 67.3% | 61.8% | 2,439 |
| 2025 | 66.8% | 61.2% | 2,259 |
Common 2011 Saab 9-3 MOT failures
Share of the 2,416 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 29.6% | 715 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 6.0% | 146 |
| Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn | 5.9% | 143 |
| Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases | 5.9% | 142 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 5.7% | 138 |
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 |
| Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2011 Saab 9-3 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- 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.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
Common 2011 Saab 9-3 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2011 9-3s, as a share of all 7,294 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.4% | 1,196 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 12.6% | 920 |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened | 11.0% | 802 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 7.5% | 548 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 6.7% | 491 |
Questions about the 2011 Saab 9-3 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2011 Saab 9-3?
In 2025, 66.8% of 9-3s first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2011 9-3 most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 54.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (25.1%) and lamps and electrical equipment (21.3%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (29.6%).
How often does a 2011 Saab 9-3 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 33.2% of first tests on 9-3s first used in 2011 did not pass first time: 29.7% failed, and a further 3.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,416 of 7,294 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2011 Saab 9-3 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 16.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (12.6%), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (11.0%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.5%) and “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (6.7%).
Is a 2011 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 67.6% in 2021 to 66.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2011
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2011 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2011 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2011 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2011 9-3?
The numbers above cover every 9-3 first used in 2011 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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