Common problems

Subaru common problems by model

6 Subaru models, each at its most tested age: the part area MOT testers fail most often, against all cars of the same age. From 205,680 DVSA MOT tests taken 2022 to 2025. Open a model for every area, the items behind it and what to check on a viewing.

MOT data updated 28 September 2026

Subaru models with at least 3 ages of 1,000 or more MOT tests. Fails per 100 MOTs in the most common area.
Model	Age	Tests (n)	Most common fail area	Per 100	All cars
Impreza	18 years	7,887	Lights and electrics	12.9	21.4
Forester	8 years	4,522	Suspension	13.2	6.1
Outback	7 years	2,688	Tyres	4.4	6.0
XV	6 years	3,394	Lights and electrics	3.8	4.7
Legacy	18 years	2,268	Lights and electrics	18.3	21.4
WRX	8 years	1,275	Exhaust, emissions and leaks	2.6	2.1

For how often each model passes or fails its MOT, see Subaru MOT fail rates by model.

Other makes

All makes

Read this with care. A fail rate is not a measure of build quality. How far cars are driven, how they are used and how well owners maintain them all change it, and wear items such as tyres and brake pads are common fails. Compare a model only with cars of the same age. Methodology and limits.

The all cars figures cover all class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans) tested at the same age.

Looking at a Subaru?

These figures describe the model, not the car in front of you. Found one you might buy? See what the VetTheCar Buying Report covers, or use the tools that work without a registration.

See a sample report Car tools · MOT fail rates by model · Compare models by MOT record

Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data, class 4 normal MOT tests, 2022 to 2025. MOT data updated 28 September 2026.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. How we calculate these figures · Data sources