Subaru Common MOT Problems (2026)
Subaru models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 106,459 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Subaru MOT pass rate: 83%
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83%
Avg pass rate
17%
Avg fail rate
23
Models tested
Subaru Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru Justy | 25% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 2 | Subaru Legacy | 23% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 3 | Subaru Forester | 20% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 4 | Subaru Impreza | 16% | ||
| 5 | Subaru Outback | 16% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion |
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru Forester I XE PRM Ebxr Awd CVT | 95% | |
| 2 | Subaru WRX | 93% | |
| 3 | Subaru BRZ | 92% | |
| 4 | Subaru Levorg | 90% | |
| 5 | Subaru XV | 87% |
All Subaru Models by Fail Rate
Every Subaru model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy | 2004 | 70% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2007 | 72% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2005 | 70% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2008 | 72% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2006 | 72% | 27% | |
| Legacy | 2008 | 73% | 27% | |
| Outback | 2004 | 72% | 27% | |
| Forester | 2001 | 72% | 27% | |
| Forester | 2000 | 72% | 27% | |
| Forester | 2010 | 73% | 26% | |
| Forester | 2003 | 71% | 26% | |
| Legacy | 2005 | 74% | 26% | |
| Forester | 2009 | 72% | 26% | |
| Justy | 2009 | 74% | 26% | |
| Forester | 2005 | 74% | 25% | |
| Forester | 2006 | 75% | 24% | |
| Forester | 2007 | 75% | 24% | |
| Forester | 2004 | 75% | 24% | |
| Legacy | 2006 | 75% | 24% | |
| Legacy | 2010 | 75% | 24% | |
| Legacy | 2009 | 75% | 24% | |
| Forester | 2012 | 75% | 24% | |
| Outback | 2012 | 75% | 24% | |
| Legacy | 2003 | 75% | 24% | |
| Forester | 2002 | 76% | 23% | |
| Forester | 2011 | 78% | 22% | |
| Outback | 2009 | 77% | 22% | |
| Legacy | 2012 | 77% | 22% | |
| Forester | 2013 | 78% | 21% | |
| Outback | 2010 | 79% | 21% | |
| Justy | 2008 | 78% | 21% | |
| Forester | 1999 | 77% | 21% | |
| Forester | 2008 | 80% | 20% | |
| Legacy | 2011 | 79% | 20% | |
| Legacy | 2013 | 79% | 20% | |
| Forester | 2014 | 81% | 19% | |
| XV | 2013 | 81% | 19% | |
| XV | 2012 | 80% | 19% | |
| Legacy | 2007 | 79% | 19% | |
| Outback | 2013 | 81% | 19% | |
| Forestr | 2015 | 80% | 19% | |
| Impreza | 2007 | 81% | 18% | |
| Impreza | 2008 | 81% | 18% | |
| XV | 2014 | 81% | 18% | |
| Outback | 2011 | 81% | 18% | |
| Impreza | 2006 | 82% | 17% | |
| Forester | 2015 | 83% | 17% | |
| Impreza | 2005 | 82% | 16% | |
| Impreza | 2003 | 82% | 16% | |
| Forester | 2016 | 84% | 16% |
Showing top 50 of 89 model/year combinations. View all Subaru models
Subaru MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Subaru cars?
The most common MOT problems on Subaru cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Subaru diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Subaru models with at least 1,000 tests, the Subaru Justy has the highest average fail rate at 25%.
Which Subaru model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Subaru Forester I XE PRM Ebxr Awd CVT has the best MOT record of the Subaru models with at least 1,000 tests: 95% of its 2,164 MOT tests ended in a pass and 4% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Subaru?
The average MOT pass rate for Subaru is 83%, based on 106,459 MOT tests across 23 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 17% of MOT tests on Subaru cars ended in a fail.
Subaru Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Subaru model
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Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.