Subaru WRX MOT failures and reliability

In 2023 the Subaru WRX took 1,846 MOT tests in Britain and passed 89% of them first time, above the national average of 71% for all cars. The figures below come from the DVSA's record of every test, so they show what testers actually found on these cars rather than what owners report.

MOT tests in 2023

1,846

First-time pass rate

89%

All cars

71%

What the WRX fails on

Share of tests with at least one failure in each area, against the figure for all cars.

• Lights and electrics3.9% (all cars 11.3%)
• Exhaust and emissions3.1% (all cars 3.1%)
• Tyres2.3% (all cars 6.4%)
• Brakes1.7% (all cars 6.8%)
• Visibility1.5% (all cars 4.8%)
• Suspension1.1% (all cars 9.0%)
• Body and structure0.9% (all cars 3.5%)
• Number plates and VIN0.8% (all cars 0.4%)

Most common failure items

Share of tests on which each item was recorded.

1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits 1.3%
2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits 1.3%
3. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps 1.1%
4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits 1.0%
5. Position lamp: not working 0.9%
6. Tyres, condition: has ply or cords exposed 0.8%
7. Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 0.8%
8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively 0.8%

Most common advisories

1. Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 11.5%
2. Brake pads: wearing thin 5.3%
3. Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened 4.3%
4. Tyres, condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 3.3%
5. Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases 1.8%
6. Coil spring: corroded 1.7%
7. Exhaust system: noisy 1.2%
8. Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive 1.2%

Pass rate by year of registration

Older cars fail more often whatever the model, so compare a car with others of the same age.

Typical mileage by age

Average odometer reading at the MOT, by the car's age in years at the test.

Check a particular WRX

Model figures tell you what to look out for. To see one car's own MOT history, mileage and tax, enter its registration.

Other Subaru models

• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Forester
• Subaru Outback
• Subaru XV
• Subaru Legacy

Source: Department for Transport, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023, cars and light vans, normal tests only. Pass rates are first-time passes; a pass after repair at the test station counts as a fail. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.