2004 Saab 9-5 (first used 2004) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 65.5% of Saab 9-5s first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 2,267 9-5 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 9-5s 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 9-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 9-5s 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 9-5 figure was 7.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 9-5 | All cars first used 2004 | 9-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 58.9% | 53.9% | 1,366 |
| 2022 | 60.7% | 55.2% | 1,091 |
| 2023 | 59.6% | 56.0% | 908 |
| 2024 | 61.6% | 56.4% | 756 |
| 2025 | 65.5% | 57.8% | 603 |
Common 2004 Saab 9-5 MOT failures
Share of the 865 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 14.7% | 127 |
| Position lamp: not working | 12.3% | 106 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 12.0% | 104 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 11.3% | 98 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 7.9% | 68 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2004 Saab 9-5 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 9-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 9-5s, as a share of all 2,267 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 21.6% | 489 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 15.4% | 350 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 15.4% | 348 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 12.5% | 284 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 11.2% | 254 |
Questions about the 2004 Saab 9-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 Saab 9-5?
In 2025, 65.5% of 9-5s 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 9-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 48.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (36.4%) and brakes (29.1%). The single most common item was “Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction” (14.7%).
How often does a 2004 Saab 9-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 34.5% of first tests on 9-5s first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 28.5% failed, and a further 6.0% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 865 of 2,267 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 Saab 9-5 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 21.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (15.4%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (15.4%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (12.5%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (11.2%).
Is a 2004 Saab 9-5 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 58.9% in 2021 to 65.5% 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 9-5?
The numbers above cover every 9-5 first used in 2004 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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