1996 Saab 900: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Saab 900 first registered in 1996: we looked at the 446 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 446 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 1996 Saab 900?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Saab 900 than on all cars registered in 1996.
- Exhaust system2.2× usualSaab 90019.7% All 1996 cars9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.6% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Common 1996 Saab 900 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1996 Saab 900 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes34% 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.
- Suspension33% 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 electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres26% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks22% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions21% 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 1996 Saab 900
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1996 Saab 900 as on other cars the same age.)
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 262 | Suspension 35% |
| 1997 | 810 | Suspension 36% |
| 1995 | 240 | Brakes 39% |
| 1994 | 138 | Suspension 36% |
| 1993 | 1,195 | Suspension 32% |
| 1992 | 1,022 | Brakes 34% |
| 1991 | 732 | Brakes 32% |
| 1990 | 816 | Suspension 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 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score