Saab 9-5 arc vs Saab 99 gl: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Saab 9-5 arc
78%
MOT pass rate · 37 vehicles
Saab 99 gl
56%
MOT pass rate · 15,388 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Saab 9-5 arc (78%) and Saab 99 gl (56%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Saab 9-5 arc | Saab 99 gl |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% ✓ | 56% |
| MOT failure rate | 22% ✓ | 44% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.1 ✓ | 3.0 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% | 0% |
| Average mileage | 121,296 mi | 135,154 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 37 | 15,388 |
Most common faults
Saab 9-5 arc
- Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Oil leak
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)
- Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Saab 99 gl
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)
- Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)
- Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)
- Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
- Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Saab 9-5 arc (78%) and Saab 99 gl (56%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Saab 9-5 arc report Full Saab 99 gl 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.