2010 Saab 9-5 (first used 2010) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 70.2% of Saab 9-5s first used in 2010 passed their MOT first time, against 59.3% for all cars first used in 2010. Across 1,869 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 2010 (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 2010 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 9-5s first used in 2010 against all cars first used in 2010 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 9-5 figure was 10.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2010 9-5 | All cars first used 2010 | 9-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 71.7% | 62.6% | 755 |
| 2022 | 70.6% | 61.7% | 697 |
| 2023 | 69.5% | 60.5% | 663 |
| 2024 | 70.1% | 59.6% | 633 |
| 2025 | 70.2% | 59.3% | 573 |
Common 2010 Saab 9-5 MOT failures
Share of the 562 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 | 21.9% | 123 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 13.0% | 73 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2010 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 2010 Saab 9-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2010 9-5s, as a share of all 1,869 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.4% | 306 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.0% | 205 |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened | 10.4% | 194 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 10.3% | 193 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 7.3% | 136 |
Questions about the 2010 Saab 9-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2010 Saab 9-5?
In 2025, 70.2% of 9-5s first used in 2010 passed their MOT first time, against 59.3% for all cars first used in 2010. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2010 9-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 46.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (29.9%) and brakes (25.6%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (21.9%).
How often does a 2010 Saab 9-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 29.8% of first tests on 9-5s first used in 2010 did not pass first time: 25.0% failed, and a further 4.9% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 562 of 1,869 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2010 Saab 9-5 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 16.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.0%), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (10.4%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (10.3%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.3%).
Is a 2010 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 71.7% in 2021 to 70.2% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2010
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2010 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2010 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2010 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2010 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2010 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2010 9-5?
The numbers above cover every 9-5 first used in 2010 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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