Used car guide

1994 Saab 900: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Saab 900 first registered in 1994: we looked at the 138 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 138 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

138MOTs of 1994 cars, done in 2023–2025
65%pass first time (all 1994 cars: 67%)
3,800typical miles a year
36%had suspension flagged

Common 1994 Saab 900 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Saab 900 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    36% 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.

  • Brakes
    33% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    30% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    17% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Saab 900

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Saab 900?

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 900 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1998262Suspension 35%
1997810Suspension 36%
1996446Brakes 34%
1995240Brakes 39%
19931,195Suspension 32%
19921,022Brakes 34%
1991732Brakes 32%
1990816Suspension 29%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–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 900 cars first registered in 1994. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score