2008 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

MOT tests in 2025, published 22 Jun 2026. DVSA publishes a new year each summer.

5,017 Saab 9-3 cars first used in 2008 had an MOT in 2025, at about 17 years old, and 63.9% passed first time. That is above the 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008.

The year is when the car was first used, as on its V5C log book, not the model year.

Common failures

The share of 2008 Saab 9-3 cars tested that failed on, or had fixed at the station, each item. Worth checking before the MOT or before you buy.

Most common 2008 Saab 9-3 MOT failure items
2008 Saab 9-3 common failures
ItemValue
Coil spring: fractured or broken6.7%
Service brake (roller test): efficiency below requirements3.1%
Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.4%
Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.1%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Common advisories

Things the tester noticed that were not bad enough to fail. They often turn into failures later. What advisories mean for the next MOT.

Most common 2008 Saab 9-3 advisories
2008 Saab 9-3 common advisories
ItemValue
Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge19.7%
Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive15.1%
Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened13.0%
Condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing10.3%
Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened9.4%
Pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement8.4%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Where the faults are

The share of cars tested with at least one failure or fix in each part of the car.

2008 Saab 9-3 faults by area
2008 Saab 9-3 faults by area
ItemValue
Suspension15.9%
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment11.2%
Brakes10.7%
Tyres6.5%
Body, chassis, structure6.5%
Noise, emissions and leaks5.6%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Typical mileage

Recorded mileage at the MOT. A car well above this range has done more work than most; one far below is worth a closer look at its MOT history.

2008 Saab 9-3 recorded mileage
2008 Saab 9-3 mileage
CarsLowTypicalHigh
5,01493,800121,000 miles148,400

The middle half of cars fall between the low and high figures. Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Other Saab 9-3 years

Saab 9-3 first-time pass rate by year first used
YearTestsPassed first timeAll cars that year
20112,25966.8%61.2%
20103,22666.0%59.3%
20093,33165.2%58.3%
20085,01763.9%57.2%
20075,77463.3%57.4%
20064,40360.8%57.0%
20052,83261.1%57.6%

Checking one car?

These figures describe groups of cars. A vehicle history report shows the full MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-offs and stolen records for one registration.

Figures from the DVSA anonymised MOT testing data for MOT tests in 2025, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Analysis by Motoring Insider. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we work out these figures.