2001 Saab 9-3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Saab 9-3 first registered in 2001 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 112 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 112 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2001 Saab 9-3 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2001 Saab 9-3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres29% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Rust and bodywork16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Saab 9-3 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Saab 9-3?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Saab 9-3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 595 | Suspension 29% |
| 2011 | 7,279 | Suspension 40% |
| 2010 | 10,518 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 11,188 | Suspension 40% |
| 2008 | 17,835 | Suspension 41% |
| 2007 | 20,904 | Suspension 42% |
| 2006 | 16,596 | Suspension 45% |
| 2005 | 10,616 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 6,916 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 2,917 | Suspension 44% |
| 2002 | 2,517 | Brakes 36% |
| 2000 | 2,036 | Brakes 35% |
| 1999 | 1,595 | Brakes 33% |
| 1998 | 892 | Brakes 38% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Saab 9-3 cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score