Saab 9-3 vs Saab 9-5 linear: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Saab 9-3
74%
MOT pass rate · 155,267 vehicles
Saab 9-5 linear
78%
MOT pass rate · 44 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Saab 9-5 linear is the more reliable of the two — 78% pass first time versus 74%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Saab 9-3 | Saab 9-5 linear |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 74% | 78% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 26% | 22% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.9 | 1.2 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 1% | 1% |
| Average mileage | 130,302 mi | 107,653 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 155,267 | 44 |
Most common faults
Saab 9-3
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Oil leak
Saab 9-5 linear
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
- Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
- Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Saab 9-5 linear is the more reliable of the two — 78% pass first time versus 74%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Saab 9-3 report Full Saab 9-5 linear 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.