Common problems by part
Subaru WRX brakes problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 1,275 MOT tests · Updated
At 8 years, 1.3 in 100 MOT tests of the Subaru WRX failed on brakes, against 4.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,275 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 16 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 3 ages from 7 to 9 years, 3,327 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 8 years: 1,275 for the Subaru WRX
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
1.3 fails per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 4.8 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 8 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A brakes fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
Look through the wheels at the discs for a deep lip or heavy scoring, and check the brake pipes under the car for flaky rust. On the drive the car should stop straight with no pull or judder.
Subaru WRX brakes fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1,019 | 1.7 | 4.1 |
| 8 | 1,275 | 1.3 | 4.8 |
| 9 | 1,033 | 2.0 | 5.6 |
All first-use years of the Subaru WRX pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the brakes at 8 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Brake pads: wearing thin: 5.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 8.6. Brake pad(s) wearing thin MOT advisory
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened: 3.6 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 8.6. Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened MOT advisory
Buying a Subaru WRX? Check that exact car before the viewing.
Buying Report £14.99 incl. VAT · one car · no subscription · Not a mechanical inspection.
- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Look through the wheels at the discs for a deep lip or heavy scoring, and check the brake pipes under the car for flaky rust. On the drive the car should stop straight with no pull or judder.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Brake pads: wearing thin.
Check one Subaru WRX, not the average
The figures here describe Subaru WRX cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Subaru WRX's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Subaru WRX problems
Brakes on rival models
- Audi TT brakes problems: 2.3 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.3 for the Subaru WRX (29,427 MOT tests)
- Mazda MX-5 brakes problems: 4.4 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.3 for the Subaru WRX (14,570 MOT tests)
- Jaguar F-Type brakes problems: 0.9 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.3 for the Subaru WRX (8,234 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Subaru WRX have more brakes problems than other cars?
1.3 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 4.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 1,275 MOT tests).
How common are Subaru WRX brakes problems?
1.3 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years failed on brakes, against 4.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,275 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 3,327 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare