Used car guide

2009 Saab 9-3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Saab 9-3s, from 3,316 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

3,316MOT tests in 2025
65%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
6,900typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for ball joint dust cover

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Saab 9-3s than on all cars registered in 2009.

  • Ball joint dust cover2× usual
    Saab 9-3
    8.8% All 2009 cars
    4.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Flexible brake hoses1.8× usual
    Saab 9-3
    5.5% All 2009 cars
    3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

  • Diesel smoke emissions3.3× usual
    Saab 9-3
    3% All 2009 cars
    0.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.3× usual
    Saab 9-3
    2.6% All 2009 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 1.4% here, against 7.5% of all 2009 cars. Number plate lights: 4.1% here, against 8.8% of all 2009 cars.

By area

The share of 2009 Saab 9-3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    43% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    31% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    30% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    23% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Saab 9-3?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20112,245Suspension 44%
20103,225Suspension 45%
20085,039Suspension 44%
20075,777Suspension 43%
20064,425Suspension 48%
20052,853Suspension 48%
20041,859Suspension 47%
2003784Suspension 44%
2002712Suspension 35%
2001650Brakes 34%
2000597Brakes 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Saab 9-3s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score