2009 Saab 9-3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Saab 9-3?

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

• Sub-frame1.7× usual
  Saab 9-3

  9.8% All 2009 cars

  5.9%

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

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint dust cover1.7× usual
  Saab 9-3

  7% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.7% 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 hoses2× usual
  Saab 9-3

  5.1% All 2009 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, 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

  3.3% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% 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.

Common 2009 Saab 9-3 MOT failures and advisories

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
  40% 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
  21% 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 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

Known faults on the 2009 Saab 9-3

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Hood motors and leaks (convertible)

  Convertible

  The electric hood motors can be damaged if the hood has been operated by hand. Check for rips, leaks and whistling at speed.

  At the viewing: Raise and lower the hood a couple of times and look for leaks.

  Source: RAC: Saab 9-3 Convertible (2003-2012) used car review

• Fast front tyre wear (powerful versions)

  Powerful versions

  Hard driving can wear out the front tyres in about 5,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Check the front tyre tread.

  Source: RAC: Saab 9-3 Convertible (2003-2012) used car review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Saab 9-3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the hood or its motors been repaired?
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?