Subaru Impreza years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 5 Subaru Impreza years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2003–2007
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 73.7% to 75.6%.
In 2025, 74.6% of the 8,619 initial MOT tests on Subaru Impreza cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 57.7%. That is 17.0 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Impreza
Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007age 18 | 1,67591,700 | 71.5%±2.3 | +14.1 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 1,59397,400 | 74.6%±2.2 | +17.6 ptsall: 57.0% | |
| 2005age 20 | 2,096104,300 | 74.9%±2.0 | +17.3 ptsall: 57.6% | |
| 2004age 21 | 1,669102,100 | 77.8%±2.1 | +20.0 ptsall: 57.8% | |
| 2003age 22 | 1,586106,600 | 74.4%±2.3 | +15.7 ptsall: 58.7% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
79.1% of Subaru Impreza tests at 60,000 to 89,999 miles passed first time, against 67.7% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 59.5% and 54.2%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000–89,999 | 2,273 | 79.1%±1.8 | +19.6 ptsall: 59.5% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 2,792 | 73.0%±1.7 | +17.9 ptsall: 55.1% |
| 120,000 or more | 2,537 | 67.7%±1.9 | +13.5 ptsall: 54.2% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Impreza tests were above average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Subaru Impreza tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000 and 30,000–59,999. 23 tests (0.3%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Impreza problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Subaru Impreza
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strengthSuspension | 15.1%330 tests | 6.0% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 13.1%287 tests | 12.9% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 11.9%259 tests | 6.5% |
| Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks | 11.4%248 tests | 3.4% |
| Catalyst emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks | 9.3%204 tests | 1.5% |
| Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics | 7.2%158 tests | 9.5% |
| Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirtBody, chassis, structure | 6.9%151 tests | 7.4% |
| Emissions test unable to be completedNoise, emissions, leaks | 5.2%114 tests | 2.7% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 5.1%111 tests | 7.0% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 4.9%108 tests | 5.4% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Impreza's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Impreza
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Noise, emissions, leaks
- Ask to see the car start from cold. Heavy smoke from the exhaust is worth asking about.
- Listen for blowing or rattling from the exhaust with the engine running.
- Look under the car for drips of oil, coolant or other fluids.
Body, chassis, structure
- Look for rust or damage under the sills, around the wheel arches and on the floor where you can see it.
- Open and close every door, the bonnet and the boot. They should latch properly.
- Check the seats are secure and adjust properly.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Impreza's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Suspension
Of Subaru Impreza cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 13.4% failed on suspension, against 6.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,170 and 5,633 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 29.6% of those with a suspension advisory and 27.3% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataSubaru Impreza questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2003–2007. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 74.6% of initial MOT tests on Subaru Impreza cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 57.7%. That is 17.0 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 44.8% of failed tests), suspension (in 38.7% of failed tests) and noise, emissions, leaks (in 35.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 20-year-old Subaru Impreza?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Subaru Impreza cars first used in 2005, about 20 years old, had a median of 104,300 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Impreza's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Subaru Impreza
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Subaru Impreza cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count