Does the Saab 900 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Saab 900 records 22.85 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 21.26 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+1.59, 95% interval +0.88 to +2.29). It ranks 202 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 900 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Saab 900 is “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”, recorded 2,242 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2,242 | 12.64 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 499 | 2.81 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 238 | 1.34 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 215 | 1.21 |
| A shock absorber bush excessively worn | 194 | 1.09 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 17,740 (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 900 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
18.6% of Saab 900 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 1,355 miles later (2,567 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,567 (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 900 in the Netherlands · Saab 900 by postcode area · Saab 900 body, chassis and structure failures · Saab 900 brakes failures · Saab 900 vehicle identification failures · Saab 900 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Saab 900 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Saab 900 seat belts and airbags failures · Saab 900 steering failures · Saab 900 tyres failures · Saab 900 visibility failures