2008 Saab 9-5 (first used 2008) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 67.5% of Saab 9-5s first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. Across 2,694 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 2008 (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 2008 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 9-5s first used in 2008 against all cars first used in 2008 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 9-5 figure was 10.3 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2008 9-5 | All cars first used 2008 | 9-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 64.9% | 58.0% | 1,315 |
| 2022 | 66.3% | 57.9% | 1,166 |
| 2023 | 64.8% | 57.4% | 1,039 |
| 2024 | 63.4% | 56.9% | 885 |
| 2025 | 67.5% | 57.2% | 770 |
Common 2008 Saab 9-5 MOT failures
Share of the 940 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 | 20.0% | 188 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 10.3% | 97 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 9.9% | 93 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 7.6% | 71 |
| Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn | 6.5% | 61 |
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 9-5 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2008 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 2008 Saab 9-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2008 9-5s, as a share of all 2,694 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 21.1% | 568 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 19.4% | 523 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 11.9% | 321 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 11.7% | 314 |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread | 8.1% | 218 |
Questions about the 2008 Saab 9-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2008 Saab 9-5?
In 2025, 67.5% of 9-5s first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2008 9-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 44.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (30.6%) and brakes (30.1%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (20.0%).
How often does a 2008 Saab 9-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 32.5% of first tests on 9-5s first used in 2008 did not pass first time: 27.4% failed, and a further 5.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 940 of 2,694 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2008 Saab 9-5 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 21.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (19.4%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (11.9%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (11.7%) and “Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread” (8.1%).
Is a 2008 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 64.9% in 2021 to 67.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2008
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2008 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2008 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2008 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2008 9-5?
The numbers above cover every 9-5 first used in 2008 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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