Model Reports 8 min read Updated 11 Sep 2026 DVSA open data · 742 tests analysed

Saab 9-5 2005: reliability & common MOT faults

285 first-attempt MOT failures were recorded on the 2005 Saab 9-5 in 2025. Figures are among first-attempt failed MOT tests, not among all tests.

First-attempt pass rate 61.6% across 742 tests in 2025. On 742 tests that is too small a sample to separate this year from the 9-5 either side of it — treat the recorded failures as a checklist, not as a verdict on the year.

First-attempt pass

61.6%

of 742 first tests (2025)

First tests

742

test year 2025

Failed first attempts

285

failed first-attempt tests

MOT pass rates

First-attempt and official-style rates among class 4 first tests of the year.

First-attempt pass

61.6%

of 742 first tests (2025)

Official-style pass

68.5%

incl. same-day PRS fixes

First tests

742

class 4 · first MOT of the year

Typical age 20.0 yrs · median mileage 128,746 mi

vs 2024: +0.0 pp first-attempt

Note:

  • Class 4 cars · first MOT of the year per vehicle · P/PRS/F outcomes (2025 data).
  • PRS (fixed at the station the same day) counts as a fail in the first-attempt rate.
  • Raw outcomes for this cohort — not adjusted for age, mileage, or peer mix.
  • MOT doesn't test engine or gearbox internals.

Advisories

Notes recorded at the test that appear more often than on similar cars.

Advisory notes recorded on failed first-attempt tests that appear more often than on similar cars.

Advisory pattern Location Notes vs similar cars Share Confidence
Pins and bushes (rear)
Suspension > Suspension arms > Pins and bushes
 Rear 41 ×5.0 14.4% Elevated
Suspension arm (front)
Suspension > Suspension arms > Suspension arm
 Front 25 ×4.4 8.8% Elevated
Suspension arm (rear)
Suspension > Suspension arms > Suspension arm
 Rear 27 ×3.3 9.5% Elevated
Sub-frame (front)
Suspension > Sub-frames > Sub-frame
 Front 20 ×2.7 7.0% Elevated
Brake discs (rear)
Brakes > Mechanical brake components > Brake discs and drums > Brake discs
 Rear 42 ×2.0 14.7% Wear
Note: Advisories are not a fail rate — they flag issues noted at the test, often before they become failures.

If you are buying one

What this year's MOT record means for the decision in front of you.

There are too few 2005 9-5 in the data to call this year good or bad. Judge the individual car, not the year.

Every figure here is a first-attempt MOT rate from DVSA open data for this model line. MOTs do not test engine or gearbox internals, so this is a pre-purchase checklist, not a full reliability score.

FAQs

Short answers about how to read this model-year guide.

On 742 tests that is too small a sample to separate this year from the 9-5 either side of it — treat the recorded failures as a checklist, not as a verdict on the year. In 2025, 61.6% of 742 first MOTs on the 2005 Saab 9-5 passed first time (PRS — items fixed at the station the same day — counted as a fail). The official-style rate including PRS is 68.5%. Among 285 failed first-attempt MOT tests (test year 2025), we…
Advisories flag issues noted at the test and are not a fail rate. We show advisory patterns that appear more often than on similar cars among failed first-attempt tests, separate from common failure rows. Use them as early-warning checks, not as a pass/fail score.
This page highlights MOT failure patterns for the 2005 Saab 9-5 (registration year) using UK DVSA open data for the selected test year. Patterns are compared with cars of a similar age and mileage. It is a buyer checklist from MOT defect statistics — not a full service history or manufacturer service-bulletin list.
No. MOT tests do not cover engine internals, gearboxes, or many electronic modules. Patterns here come from MOT defect statistics only and should not be read as engine or gearbox reliability scores.

About this data

How this page is built and what it can (and can't) say.

These figures come from UK MOT open data for this model year. We surface common failure patterns against similar cars — not a full reliability score, and not a pass/fail verdict on any individual vehicle.

2024 2025

What we include

UK Class 4 cars only. Normal MOT tests (not retests); first test per vehicle per calendar year; results pass, PRS, or fail.

Same-day repairs

PRS means the car failed items that were fixed at the test station and then passed the same day. We count PRS as a first-attempt fail in headline rates so same-day repairs do not hide problems.

How we compare

We compare this model year with other Class 4 cars of similar age and mileage in the same test year. This model family is left out of the peer group so the car is not measured against itself.

What this does not cover

  • MOTs do not cover engine internals, gearboxes, or many electronics — this is not a full reliability score.
  • Common faults come from MOT defect stats, not manufacturer TSBs or recalls.
  • Age and mileage matching reduces — but does not remove — differences in how cars were used and maintained.
  • We never invent pass rates, star scores, or ranks when those data marts are missing.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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