Subaru reliability and common MOT problems by model
Subaru shows a 19.0% combined MOT failure rate across 65,295 tests in Motintel data. Impreza has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 19.0%. Impreza deserves extra checking at 19.0%.
Data sources: DVSA MOT records, official recall records, and MOT fault wording snapshots (2026-04-27, 2026-04-29, rfr_codes_2025-05-12, failure items 2023). Search-indexed model pages must clear 20,000 MOT tests and 10,000 vehicles.
Subaru combined failure rate: 19.0% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #28 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest).
Which Subaru models look strongest?
Impreza (19.0%)
Which Subaru models need extra caution?
Impreza (19.0%)
Most reliable Subaru models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru Impreza | 19.0% | 22,233 tests | 18,262 vehicles |
Subaru models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru Impreza | 19.0% | 22,233 tests | 18,262 vehicles |
Common Subaru MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 11,274 MOT notes | 1 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Subaru Impreza |
| 2 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 3,185 MOT notes | 1 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Subaru Impreza |
| 3 | Lights and electrical | 2,956 MOT notes | 1 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Subaru Impreza |
| 4 | Suspension and steering | 2,689 MOT notes | 1 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Subaru Impreza |
| 5 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 1,307 MOT notes | 1 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Subaru Impreza |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 210 MOT notes | 1 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Subaru Impreza |
All Subaru model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza | 22,233 | 18,262 | 19.0% |
| Forester limited data | 18,786 | 14,751 | 20.8% |
| Outback limited data | 8,608 | 6,991 | 17.4% |
| Legacy limited data | 7,324 | 5,486 | 24.6% |
| Xv limited data | 6,523 | 5,512 | 12.7% |
| Wrx limited data | 1,821 | 1,633 | 7.8% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.