Does the Saab 9-5 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Saab 9-5 records 21.52 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 29.28 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−7.76, 95% interval −8.15 to −7.37). It ranks 563 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Saab 9-5 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Saab 9-5 is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 7,151 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 7,151 | 9.71 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 2,060 | 2.80 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 1,468 | 1.99 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 1,361 | 1.85 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 1,264 | 1.72 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 73,669 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Saab 9-5 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
18.3% of Saab 9-5 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 4,660 miles later (15,871 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 15,871 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Saab 9-5 1998 · Saab 9-5 1999 · Saab 9-5 2000 · Saab 9-5 2001 · Saab 9-5 2002 · Saab 9-5 2003 · Saab 9-5 2004 · Saab 9-5 2005 · Saab 9-5 2006 · Saab 9-5 2007 · Saab 9-5 2008 · Saab 9-5 2009 · Saab 9-5 2010 · Saab 9-5 2011 · Saab 9-5 in Norway · Saab 9-5 in Finland · Saab 9-5 in the Netherlands · Saab 9-5 by postcode area · Saab 9-5 body, chassis and structure failures · Saab 9-5 brakes failures · Saab 9-5 vehicle identification failures · Saab 9-5 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Saab 9-5 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Saab 9-5 road wheels failures · Saab 9-5 seat belts and airbags failures · Saab 9-5 steering failures · Saab 9-5 tyres failures · Saab 9-5 visibility failures