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Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo vs Saab 9-5: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo
88%
MOT pass rate · 8 vehicles
Saab 9-5
74%
MOT pass rate · 55,962 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo (88%) and Saab 9-5 (74%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo Saab 9-5
MOT pass rate 88% 74%
MOT failure rate 12% 26%
Faults & advisories per test 1.2 2.1
Dangerous-fault share 1% 1%
Average mileage 96,041 mi 136,801 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 8 55,962

Most common faults

Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo

  1. Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
  2. Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
  3. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  4. Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
  5. Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
  6. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Saab 9-5

  1. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  2. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Oil leak
  4. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  5. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo (88%) and Saab 9-5 (74%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Saab 9-3 x xwd turbo report Full Saab 9-5 report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.