Subaru Common MOT Problems (2026)
Every Subaru model ranked by MOT fail rate, with the most common issues identified for each. Based on 106,568 real MOT tests.
Average Subaru MOT pass rate: 83%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
83%
Avg pass rate
17%
Avg fail rate
24
Models tested
Subaru Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates across all tested years
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Common Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru Mv Pickup | 32% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 2 | Subaru Justy | 28% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 3 | Subaru B9 Tribeca | 26% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 4 | Subaru Forestr | 23% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear | |
| 5 | Subaru Forester Xc Boxer Diesel | 23% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear |
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Lowest average fail rates; the Subaru models least likely to have MOT problems
All Subaru Models by Fail Rate
Every Subaru model and year combination, sorted by fail rate (highest first)
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justy | 2007 | 63% | 37% | |
| Mv Pickup | 1994 | 65% | 32% | |
| Legacy | 1997 | 69% | 31% | |
| B9 Tribeca | 2006 | 70% | 30% | |
| Legacy | 2000 | 71% | 29% | |
| Legacy | 1998 | 71% | 29% | |
| Justy | 2010 | 71% | 29% | |
| Legacy | 2004 | 70% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2007 | 72% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2005 | 70% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2008 | 72% | 28% | |
| Impreza | 2021 | 72% | 28% | |
| Outback | 2006 | 72% | 27% | |
| Legacy | 2008 | 73% | 27% | |
| Outback | 2004 | 72% | 27% | |
| Forester | 2001 | 72% | 27% | |
| Forester | 2000 | 72% | 27% | |
| Forestr | 2016 | 73% | 27% | |
| Forester | 2010 | 73% | 26% | |
| Forester | 2003 | 71% | 26% | |
| Legacy | 2005 | 74% | 26% | |
| Forester | 2009 | 72% | 26% | |
| Justy | 2009 | 74% | 26% | |
| Unclassified | 1999 | 68% | 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% | |
| Legacy | 2002 | 76% | 24% | |
| B9 Tribeca | 2008 | 76% | 24% | |
| Forester | 2002 | 76% | 23% | |
| Forester | 1998 | 74% | 23% | |
| B9 Tribeca | 2007 | 77% | 23% | |
| Forester Xc Boxer Diesel | 2012 | 77% | 23% | |
| Forester | 2011 | 78% | 22% | |
| Outback | 2009 | 77% | 22% | |
| Legacy | 2012 | 77% | 22% | |
| Legacy | 1999 | 78% | 22% | |
| Forester | 2013 | 78% | 21% | |
| Outback | 2010 | 79% | 21% | |
| Justy | 2008 | 78% | 21% | |
| Forester | 1999 | 77% | 21% | |
| Legacy | 2017 | 79% | 21% | |
| Forester | 2008 | 80% | 20% |
Showing top 50 of 155 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 component deterioration, and tyre condition issues. Older Subaru diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. The Mv Pickup has the highest average fail rate at 32%.
Which Subaru model is the most reliable?
The most reliable Subaru model in our data is the Xv I Se Prem E Boxer Awd Cvt with an average MOT pass rate of 98%. View all Subaru models for full reliability data.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Subaru?
The average MOT pass rate for Subaru is 83%, based on 106,568 MOT tests across 24 models. This means about 17% of Subaru cars fail their MOT on the first attempt.
Check a Specific Subaru
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.