2010 Saab 9-3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Saab 9-3s, from 3,225 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Saab 9-3s than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Sub-frame2.2× usualSaab 9-315.2% All 2010 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Ball joint dust cover2.6× usualSaab 9-310% All 2010 cars3.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.6% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Flexible brake hoses2.3× usualSaab 9-35.3% All 2010 cars2.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
- Diesel smoke emissions3.3× usualSaab 9-32.6% All 2010 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.8% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.1× usualSaab 9-32.2% All 2010 cars0.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt 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.
Rigid brake pipes: 1.1% here, against 6.8% of all 2010 cars. Suspension arm bushes and joints: 5.3% here, against 11% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Saab 9-3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes29% 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.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions12% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2,245 | Suspension 44% |
| 2009 | 3,316 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 5,039 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 5,777 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 4,425 | Suspension 48% |
| 2005 | 2,853 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 1,859 | Suspension 47% |
| 2003 | 784 | Suspension 44% |
| 2002 | 712 | Suspension 35% |
| 2001 | 650 | Brakes 34% |
| 2000 | 597 | Brakes 36% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Saab 9-3s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score