Subaru Legacy MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,005 MOT tests on the Subaru Legacy carried out in 2023. 37% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Legacys passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (66% passed, +6.8 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (74%, −12.7 points). Tested cars had covered 110,588 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 18.3% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,005
- First-time pass rate
- 63%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −8.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 110,588
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Legacy?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Legacy MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 51 | 76% | 88% | −11.2 points | 82,234 |
| 2019 | 68 | 74% | 86% | −12.7 points | 98,209 |
| 2018 | 67 | 79% | 84% | −5.1 points | 88,201 |
| 2016 | 68 | 71% | 79% | −8.0 points | 110,007 |
| 2013 | 189 | 63% | 68% | −5.3 points | 86,988 |
| 2012 | 273 | 70% | 66% | +4.3 points | 91,937 |
| 2011 | 478 | 68% | 63% | +4.6 points | 100,273 |
| 2010 | 496 | 63% | 60% | +2.8 points | 108,331 |
| 2009 | 445 | 66% | 59% | +6.8 points | 102,595 |
| 2008 | 411 | 62% | 57% | +4.9 points | 114,205 |
| 2007 | 514 | 61% | 57% | +3.7 points | 113,729 |
| 2006 | 722 | 60% | 56% | +3.9 points | 116,891 |
| 2005 | 632 | 62% | 56% | +6.1 points | 121,574 |
| 2004 | 512 | 59% | 56% | +2.8 points | 123,244 |
| 2003 | 250 | 54% | 57% | −3.0 points | 115,688 |
| 2002 | 149 | 56% | 58% | −1.1 points | 114,264 |
| 2001 | 169 | 62% | 59% | +2.9 points | 112,789 |
| 2000 | 121 | 56% | 61% | −4.4 points | 112,773 |
| 1999 | 80 | 55% | 62% | −7.5 points | 111,218 |
| 1998 | 52 | 62% | 64% | −2.4 points | 113,103 |
Why the Subaru Legacy fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Legacy | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.4% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.4% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 9.3% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 7.5% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 6.2% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.7% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.3% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.1% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.6%
- 2inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.3%
- 3ball joint excessively worn4.1%
- 4pin or bush excessively worn3.6%
- 5has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
- 6Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
- 7constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick2.5%
- 9prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.4%
- 10projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
Common Legacy MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Legacy, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 21.9% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 9.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 9.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.3% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 7.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.0% |
Tips to help your Legacy pass
Based on where Legacys most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.3% of Legacy tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 9.3% of Legacy tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Legacy ULEZ compliant? See the Subaru Legacy ULEZ check, or view all Subaru models.
Other Subaru models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,005 first MOT tests of the Subaru Legacy 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 6,005 first MOT tests of the Subaru Legacy.
What is the Subaru Legacy MOT failure rate?
In our data, 37% of 6,005 first MOT attempts on the Subaru Legacy ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Subaru Legacy fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (18.3% of tests), suspension (13.4% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (9.4% of tests).
Which Legacy year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 66% passed first time, +6.8 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 74% (−12.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Subaru Legacy covered at its MOT?
The average was 110,588 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 82,234 miles and 1998 cars 113,103.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Subaru Legacy?
"pin or bush excessively worn" was recorded on 21.9% of tests, in the suspension area. 13.4% of Legacys failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Legacy's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,005 Legacys in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 79% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
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
Check any Legacy's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.