Subaru MOT Check
Our Subaru MOT data covers 55,536 tests across 5 models. Overall, 72% of Subarus passed first time, roughly in line with the 71% average for all cars.
The Subaru XV had the highest first-time pass rate at 83%, while the Subaru Legacy had the lowest at 63%. Remember that age and mileage make a big difference: the Legacy cars tested averaged 110,588 miles, against 50,962 for the XV.
Check any Subaru's MOT history
- MOT tests analysed
- 55,536
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.8 points
- Models covered
- 5
Subaru models compared
First-time MOT pass rates for each Subaru model, highest first. Select a model for its pass rate by year, common faults and ULEZ compliance.
- Subaru XV83% passed · 6,115 tests
- Subaru Outback75% passed · 7,450 tests
- Subaru Impreza73% passed · 19,325 tests
- Subaru Forester70% passed · 16,641 tests
- Subaru Legacy63% passed · 6,005 tests
The dark marker shows the 71% average for all cars.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate | Most common failure | ULEZ likely compliant | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV | 6,115 | 83% | Lights and electrics | 81% | ULEZ by year |
| Outback | 7,450 | 75% | Lights and electrics | 66% | ULEZ by year |
| Impreza | 19,325 | 73% | Lights and electrics | 42% | ULEZ by year |
| Forester | 16,641 | 70% | Suspension | 56% | ULEZ by year |
| Legacy | 6,005 | 63% | Lights and electrics | 50% | ULEZ by year |
Why Subarus fail their MOT
Share of Subaru tests with a failure in each area, across all models, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Subaru | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.4% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.4% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.4% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 6.3% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.6% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 4.0% | 4.8% |
Other makes
- Abarth 77%
- Alfa Romeo 68%
- Audi 78%
- Bentley 91%
- BMW 78%
- Chevrolet 54%
- Chrysler 60%
- Citroen 63%
- Dacia 72%
- Daihatsu 63%
- DS 70%
- Fiat 68%
- Ford 68%
- Honda 72%
- Hyundai 74%
- Isuzu 69%
- Jaguar 78%
- Jeep 75%
- Kia 74%
- Land Rover 76%
- LEVC 74%
- Lexus 83%
- Lotus 85%
- Mazda 72%
- Mercedes-Benz 77%
- MG 78%
- MINI 76%
- Mitsubishi 72%
- Nissan 69%
- Peugeot 66%
- Porsche 87%
- Renault 62%
- Rover 64%
- Saab 63%
- SEAT 74%
- Skoda 77%
- Smart 72%
- SsangYong 70%
- Suzuki 73%
- Talbot 53%
- Tesla 83%
- Toyota 74%
- Vauxhall 65%
- Volkswagen 72%
- Volvo 73%
About this data
Based on 55,536 first MOT tests of Subaru models carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 55,536 first MOT tests of Subaru cars.
What is the average MOT pass rate for a Subaru?
72% of Subarus in our data passed at the first attempt, against 71% for all cars.
Which Subaru model has the best MOT pass rate?
The Subaru XV, with 83% passing first time. The lowest was the Subaru Legacy, at 63%, though age differences explain part of the gap.
Why do Subarus fail their MOT?
The most common failure area was lights and electrics, recorded on 12.4% of Subaru tests.
How do I check a Subaru's MOT history?
Enter the registration in our free MOT check. Subaru models in our data had covered 89,689 miles on average at their MOT, so check how a particular car compares.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
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