MOT failure data · 2025
Subaru Impreza MOT problems
Across every Subaru Impreza that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength, on 7.44% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 23.85%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Subaru Impreza MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 7.44% |
| 2 | Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.26% |
| 3 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.94% |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.12% |
| 5 | Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.42% |
| 6 | Joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Body, chassis, structure | 2.36% |
| 7 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.23% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.14% |
| 9 | Emissions not tested unable to be completed | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.91% |
| 10 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 1.9% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Subaru Impreza, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Subaru Impreza buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Subaru Impreza?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Subaru models
- Subaru Forester MOT problems
- Subaru Outback MOT problems
- Subaru XV MOT problems
- Subaru Legacy MOT problems
Subaru Impreza MOT FAQs
What does a Subaru Impreza most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Subaru Impreza cars failing their 2025 MOT was "component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength", appearing on 7.44% of failure items.
Does this mean my Subaru Impreza will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Subaru Impreza that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Subaru Impreza passed 79.62% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Subaru Impreza's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate · used Subaru Impreza buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.