Makes › Subaru › Impreza

Subaru Impreza reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 171,599 MOT tests of cars first registered 1994–2016.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
Subaru Impreza
71.7%pass first time
+14.8 ptsvs typical car
Beats 94%of cars
171,599MOT tests

Verdict

The Subaru Impreza passes its MOT first time on 71.7% of tests, 14.8 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (56.9%). That puts it ahead of 94% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

Of its engines, the 2.5 Petrol does best (beats 97%) and the 2.0 Petrol worst (beats 94%).

Better than average on lights & electrics, suspension, brakes.

Watch these weak spots

Emissions & leaks1.3×as often as a typical car
Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.0×as often as a typical car
Emissions not tested1.5×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%89101112131415161718192078%75%72%71%70%70%72%
Subaru ImprezaTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1994
Beats 88%
1995
Beats 94%
1996
Beats 94%
1997
Beats 90%
1998
Beats 95%
1999
Beats 95%
2000
Beats 96%
2001
Beats 88%
2002
Beats 93%
2003
Beats 95%
2004
Beats 97%
2005
Beats 96%
2006
Beats 95%
2007
Beats 91%
2008
Beats 94%
2009
Beats 97%
2010
Beats 95%
2015
Beats 78%
2016
Beats 75%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol1994–2010128,08370.7%Beats 94%A
2.5 Petrol2005–201036,99975.0%Beats 97%A
1.5 Petrol2007–20083,98461.9%Beats 62%B
1.6 Petrol2015–20162,53384.8%Beats 77%B

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 9.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 10.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 16.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 13.3% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 20.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 3.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 6.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 13.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 13.3% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 20.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+7.5 ptsTyres: 3.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+3.7 ptsBrakes: 6.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 13.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+6.8 ptsSuspension: 10.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 16.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+6.3 ptsExhaust: 9.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−2.2 ptsSuspension: 10.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 16.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 6.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 13.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 3.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 13.3% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 20.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 9.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 13.3% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 20.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+7.5 ptsTyres: 3.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+3.7 ptsBrakes: 6.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 13.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+6.8 ptsSuspension: 10.1% of tests fail on suspension, against 16.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+6.3 ptsExhaust: 9.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−2.2 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Exhaust: 9.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
13.3% vs 20.8%
Suspension
10.1% vs 16.5%
Emissions & leaks
9.2% vs 6.9%
Brakes
6.2% vs 13.0%
Body & structure
5.3% vs 8.3%
Visibility
4.0% vs 7.5%
Tyres
3.3% vs 7.0%
Seat belts & airbags
1.6% vs 2.8%
Steering
1.4% vs 3.8%
Wheels
0.4% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 2.0× typical
    Check past MOT emissions readings in the car's history: rising readings can mean catalyst or sensor problems.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Sidelights
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Engine warning light
    The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.
  • Headlight bulbs & units
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k91%85%79%75%71%68%66%66%
Subaru ImprezaTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Exhaust emissions (catalyst)5.5%2.8%2.0×
Headlight aim4.2%5.7%0.7×
Sidelights3.7%5.2%0.7×
Component mounting prescribed areas3.3%2.5%1.3×
Engine warning light2.3%2.0%1.2×
Headlight bulbs & units2.2%4.0%0.5×
Tyre damage & cracking2.0%3.6%0.6×
Windscreen washers2.0%3.3%0.6×
Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9%2.7%0.7×
Number plate lights1.7%2.2%0.8×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements41.7
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired33.9
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer29.6
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning28.5
Emissions levels exceed default limits28.3
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn25.0
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction23.7
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen20.0
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2016 Subaru Impreza1 engine86.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol1,04286.1%Beats 75%B
2015 Subaru Impreza1 engine83.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol1,49183.8%Beats 78%B
2010 Subaru Impreza2 engines75.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol4,17577.0%Beats 96%A
2.0 Petrol1,51972.9%Beats 87%A
2009 Subaru Impreza2 engines76.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol4,24777.5%Beats 98%A
2.0 Petrol1,74274.6%Beats 95%A
2008 Subaru Impreza3 engines72.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol5,45376.1%Beats 98%A
2.0 Petrol3,50469.4%Beats 89%A
1.5 Petrol1,40163.2%Beats 63%B
2007 Subaru Impreza3 engines70.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol11,15474.5%Beats 96%A
2.0 Petrol4,66367.5%Beats 84%A
1.5 Petrol2,58361.2%Beats 61%B
2006 Subaru Impreza2 engines71.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol10,82773.1%Beats 96%A
2.0 Petrol6,09869.4%Beats 92%A
2005 Subaru Impreza2 engines71.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol20,79771.5%Beats 96%A
2.5 Petrol1,14376.6%Beats 99%A
2004 Subaru Impreza1 engine72.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol17,99872.3%Beats 97%A
2003 Subaru Impreza1 engine69.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol18,13969.8%Beats 95%A
2002 Subaru Impreza1 engine68.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol12,04868.8%Beats 93%A
2001 Subaru Impreza1 engine66.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol10,56066.8%Beats 88%A
2000 Subaru Impreza1 engine72.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol9,79772.3%Beats 96%A
1999 Subaru Impreza1 engine72.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol8,23972.6%Beats 95%A
1998 Subaru Impreza1 engine73.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol4,68673.6%Beats 95%A
1997 Subaru Impreza1 engine71.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol3,33071.2%Beats 90%A
1996 Subaru Impreza1 engine73.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol2,24573.0%Beats 94%A
1995 Subaru Impreza1 engine74.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol1,64974.0%Beats 94%A
1994 Subaru Impreza1 engine71.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol1,06971.9%Beats 88%A

FAQ

What is the Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate?

71.7% of MOT tests on the Subaru Impreza were passed first time, based on 171,599 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1994–2016. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 56.9% of the time.

Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 94% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Subaru Impreza engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.5 Petrol does best: it beats 97% of cars on UK roads. The 2.0 Petrol does worst: it beats 94%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure items are exhaust emissions (catalyst), headlight aim, sidelights. Compared with similar cars, exhaust emissions (catalyst) comes up 2.0× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.