2002 Saab 9-3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Saab 9-3 first registered in 2002 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 154 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 154 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Saab 9-3 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Saab 9-3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings3× usualSaab 9-320.1% All 2002 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Common 2002 Saab 9-3 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2002 Saab 9-3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension44% 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.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Lights and electrics36% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors24% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork17% 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 2002 Saab 9-3 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2002 Saab 9-3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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% |
| 2001 | 2,321 | Brakes 35% |
| 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 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score