Does the Saab 9-5 fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The Saab 9-5 records 10.85 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 11.65 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−0.80, 95% interval −1.05 to −0.55). It ranks 402 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Saab 9-5 by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Saab 9-5 is “Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view”, recorded 3,068 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 3,068 | 4.16 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 1,813 | 2.46 |
| Obligatory mirror or device slightly damaged or loose | 963 | 1.31 |
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 919 | 1.25 |
| Wiper blade defective | 737 | 1.00 |
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
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 suspension failures · Saab 9-5 tyres failures