What Is Subaru's MOT Pass Rate?
on 24 April 2026
Subaru vehicles have an overall pass rate of 81.1%, based on a total of 58,336 tests conducted from 2022 to 2024 according to DVSA anonymised MOT data. This is above the national average of 79.6% for the same period, marking Subaru as one of the better-performing brands in terms of vehicle reliability and maintenance.
Subaru's performance over the past three years shows a slight improvement, with pass rates increasing from 80.6% in 2022 (71,474 tests) to 80.5% in 2023 (68,685 tests), and then to 81.1% in 2024 (58,336 tests). This trend indicates a gradual upward movement in Subaru's MOT performance despite fluctuations in the number of vehicles tested.
Which Subaru Models Pass Their MOT Most Often?
When examining specific models, the following pass rates stand out:
- Subaru Legacy: With a 74.0% pass rate (5,116 tests), this model has the lowest success rate among those listed.
- Subaru Impreza: Achieving an 81.2% pass rate (17,131 tests) and averaging around 99,413 miles per test, it performs better than the Legacy but still below the brand average.
- Subaru Outback: This model has a strong showing with an 82.1% pass rate (7,645 tests), indicating strong reliability despite its substantial mileage of 86,716 miles on average at test time.
- Subaru Forester: With a 77.7% pass rate (14,215 tests) and an average mileage of 95,580 miles, the Forester lags behind other models in terms of MOT performance.
- Subaru XV: This model boasts the highest individual pass rate at 85.8% (5,832 tests), with a relatively lower average mileage of 58,872 miles per test.
Highlighting these figures, it's clear that the Subaru XV leads in terms of reliability and maintenance standards, while the Legacy struggles the most among the tested models. These statistics provide valuable insights for owners looking to maintain or improve their vehicle's performance before an MOT.
According to the DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024), subaru has a 81.1% mot pass rate based on 58,336 tests
What Are the Most Common MOT Failures on Subaru Vehicles?
Common failures across all brands include lighting and electrical issues (18.9% nationally), suspension problems (13.2%), brake deficiencies (10.1%), and tyre condition (7.8%). For Subaru owners, addressing these areas can significantly enhance their chances of passing an upcoming MOT test.
Practical Pre-MOT Tips Specific to Subaru
To maximise your chances of a successful MOT for your Subaru:
- Lights: Check all exterior lights for any signs of damage or malfunction.
- Tyres: Ensure tyres aren't worn, have sufficient tread depth, and are inflated correctly.
- Wipers and Screen Wash: Verify that wiper blades are in good condition and the screen wash reservoir is full.
By focusing on these critical components before your test date, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering major issues during the inspection. Remember, regular maintenance and proactive checks are key to ensuring your Subaru passes its MOT smoothly.
How to Save Money on Your Subaru MOT
A common strategy for saving money on an MOT involves addressing any advisories rather than waiting until they become failures. Advisories are non-critical issues that could potentially lead to a failure if not addressed promptly. For instance, minor lighting or brake problems might be flagged as advisories but can easily be fixed before becoming more serious.
Pre-MOT Checklist
- Lights: Test all bulbs and replace any faulty ones.
- Tyres: Inspect for wear and tear and ensure proper inflation.
- Wipers and Screen Wash: Replace old wiper blades and refill the screen wash container.
The DVSA has a fixed fee of £54.85 for an MOT, which covers testing and issuing a certificate if your vehicle passes. By preparing thoroughly beforehand, you can avoid unnecessary costs associated with repairs needed after failing the test.
If your Subaru was financed via PCP or HP, it's worth checking whether there may have been any mis-selling issues that could affect your finance agreement at mlj.org.uk. This additional step ensures not only mechanical reliability but also financial security regarding your vehicle investment.
Sources
- DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024)
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