Common problems by part
Subaru WRX suspension problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 1,275 MOT tests · Updated
At 8 years, 0.4 in 100 MOT tests of the Subaru WRX failed on suspension, against 6.1 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), 5 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
0.4 fails per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 6.1 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 8 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A suspension fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
Push down hard on each corner: it should rise once and settle. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and look behind each wheel for snapped springs or split rubber bushes.
Subaru WRX suspension fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1,019 | 0.4 | 4.4 |
| 8 | 1,275 | 0.4 | 6.1 |
| 9 | 1,033 | 1.0 | 7.9 |
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 suspension at 8 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Coil spring: corroded: 3.1 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.2. Coil spring corroded MOT advisory
Buying a Subaru WRX? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- 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
Push down hard on each corner: it should rise once and settle. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and look behind each wheel for snapped springs or split rubber bushes.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Coil spring: corroded.
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
Suspension on rival models
- Audi TT suspension problems: 1.1 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 0.4 for the Subaru WRX (29,427 MOT tests)
- Mazda MX-5 suspension problems: 2.1 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 0.4 for the Subaru WRX (14,570 MOT tests)
- Jaguar F-Type suspension problems: 0.7 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 0.4 for the Subaru WRX (8,234 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Subaru WRX have more suspension problems than other cars?
0.4 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 6.1 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 suspension problems?
0.4 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years failed on suspension, against 6.1 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