MOT failures by make
Saab MOT failures for “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect”
Saab cars failed their MOT on “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect” in 1.81% of 106,670 tests in 2023–2024 (1,930 tests) — 44% less often than comparable cars of the same age, mileage and fuel, which would have failed on it in about 3.23% of tests. It is the number 9 most common failure item on Saabs.
Data to 2024-12-30 · Page updated 2026-09-28 · Publisher: 73 Auto
- Saab tests failing on it
- 1.81%
- 1,930 of 106,670 tests, 2023–2024
- Comparable cars
- 3.23%
- national rate at the same age, mileage and fuel
- Observed ÷ expected
- 0.56×
- 73 Auto analysis · rank #9 for Saab
How unusual this is for the make
Across all MOT failures, Saabs fail 14% less often than comparable cars. On this item the gap is 0.65× narrower than that overall level, so it is a genuine Saab pattern rather than a reflection of how often the make fails in general. It is a major defect in the lights, reflectors and electrical part of the test. Nationally it appears on 1.31% of MOT tests.
Saab models and “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect”
The Saab 9-3 is least affected (0.53× comparable cars); the Saab 9-5 most (0.74×). Every model listed is below the national rate, so the pattern runs across the range. Model rows compare with cars of the same age and fuel.
| Model | Tests | Failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saab 9-5 | 17,430 | 2.40% | 0.74× |
| Saab 9-3 | 82,791 | 1.64% | 0.53× |
By age at test
The difference is most pronounced at 11-12 years old: 0.30% of Saab tests against 1.66% for comparable cars.
| Age (years) | Saab tests | Saab | Comparable cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-12 | 7,013 | 0.30% | 1.66% |
| 13-15 | 33,268 | 0.63% | 2.50% |
| 16+ | 66,247 | 2.56% | 3.77% |
Other Saab MOT faults that stand out
- Coil spring: fractured or broken · 1.61× comparable cars
- Position lamp: not working · 0.65× comparable cars
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt · 0.54× comparable cars
Limitations
Official data: DVSA's anonymised MOT results (2023–2024), class 4 initial tests, cars at least 2.5 years old. 73 Auto analysis: the comparison rate applies the national rate of this item for each test's own age, mileage band and fuel to the Saab tests. An MOT result reflects maintenance, mileage and how a car is used as well as its design, so this is not a measure of which make is most reliable. The wording of the defect is DVSA's.
Has this Saab failed on it before?
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UK number plate or 17-character VIN
Where these figures come from
- Anonymised MOT tests and results (2023 and 2024) — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Open Government Licence v3.0.
Figures labelled as 73 Auto estimates are our own analysis of these sources, set out in the methodology and data sources. To report a factual error, see corrections.