2002 Saab 9-5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Saab 9-5 first registered in 2002 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 111 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 111 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2002 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2002 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension58% 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.
- Lights and electrics49% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes45% 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.
- Tyres41% 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.
- Rust and bodywork15% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Saab 9-5 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 9-5?
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 9-5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
| 2011 | 992 | Suspension 28% |
| 2010 | 1,856 | Suspension 31% |
| 2009 | 1,905 | Suspension 40% |
| 2008 | 2,685 | Suspension 43% |
| 2007 | 3,089 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 3,000 | Suspension 45% |
| 2005 | 2,803 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 2,262 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 1,427 | Suspension 47% |
| 2001 | 992 | Suspension 43% |
| 2000 | 848 | Suspension 43% |
| 1999 | 603 | Suspension 43% |
| 1998 | 259 | Suspension 45% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1976 | – | Too few tests |
| 1975 | – | Too few tests |
| 1974 | – | Too few tests |
| 1973 | – | Too few tests |
| 1972 | – | Too few tests |
| 1971 | – | Too few tests |
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 9-5 cars first registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score