Subaru WRX MOT Failure Rate

Q: What is the MOT failure rate for a Subaru WRX?

The Subaru WRX has an overall MOT failure rate of 10.2%, based on 8,973 MOT tests in the DVSA database. This is below the UK average of 28%.

Q: What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru WRX?

The most common MOT failure areas for the Subaru WRX are: Lamps & Electrics (2.1% risk), Tyres (1.0% risk), Brakes (0.8% risk). These are based on weighted component failure rates across all age and mileage bands.

Q: Is the Subaru WRX reliable for MOT?

Yes, the Subaru WRX is more reliable than average for MOT, with a failure rate of 10.2% compared to the UK average of 28%.

Q: How does the Subaru WRX MOT failure rate change with age?

The Subaru WRX MOT failure rate increases with vehicle age. Newer models typically have lower failure rates, while vehicles over 10 years old see significantly higher rates, often above 35%. Regular maintenance becomes more important as your vehicle ages.

Q: How can I reduce the risk of my Subaru WRX failing its MOT?

Check all lights and bulbs, inspect tyre tread depth, test windscreen washers and wipers, listen for brake or suspension noises, and consider a pre-MOT check at a local garage. Use AutoSafe's free prediction tool for a personalised risk assessment.

10.2%

MOT failure rate from 8,973 tests

17.8pp below the UK average (28%)

Key Findings for the Subaru WRX

Overall MOT failure rate: 10.2% — 17.8pp below the UK average (28%)
Highest-risk component: Lamps & Electrics (2.1% failure risk)
Most reliable age group: 3-5 years (5.7% failure rate)
Highest-risk age group: 11-15 years (16.0% failure rate)
Based on 8,973 official DVSA MOT tests

Failure Rate by Vehicle Age

How the Subaru WRX MOT failure rate changes with age:

Age	Failure Rate	Tests	Worst Area
0-2 years	14.3%	112	Lamps & Electrics
3-5 years	5.7%	1,853	Tyres
6-10 years	10.4%	5,595	Lamps & Electrics
11-15 years	16.0%	1,130	Lamps & Electrics
15+ years	10.6%	283	Lamps & Electrics

Component Risk Breakdown

Which parts of the Subaru WRX are most likely to cause an MOT failure:

Lamps & Electrics 2.1%

Tyres 1.0%

Brakes 0.8%

Visibility 0.8%

Suspension 0.6%

Body & Chassis 0.4%

Steering 0.1%

Subaru WRX by Age Group

See detailed MOT failure data for each age group:

What Subaru WRX Owners Should Watch For

Based on the MOT test data for the Subaru WRX, here are the key areas to pay attention to before your MOT:

Lamps & Electrics (2.1% failure risk) — Walk around the car and check every bulb — headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights. This is one of the cheapest and easiest fixes.
Tyres (1.0% failure risk) — Ensure all tyres have at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters. Check for sidewall damage, bulges, and uneven wear.
Brakes (0.8% failure risk) — Check brake pad thickness, disc condition, and handbrake operation. Listen for grinding or squealing when braking.

Many of these issues are inexpensive to fix when caught early. A pre-MOT inspection at a local garage typically costs £20–£40 and can save you the cost of a retest (£15–£30) plus the inconvenience of a failed MOT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MOT failure rate for a Subaru WRX?

The Subaru WRX has an overall MOT failure rate of 10.2%, based on 8,973 MOT tests recorded in the DVSA database. This is below the UK national average of approximately 28%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru WRX?

The most common areas for MOT failure on a Subaru WRX are:

Lamps & Electrics — 2.1% failure risk
Tyres — 1.0% failure risk
Brakes — 0.8% failure risk

These component risks are weighted averages across all age and mileage bands in the dataset.

Is the Subaru WRX reliable for MOT?

Yes, the Subaru WRX performs better than average in MOT tests. Its 10.2% failure rate is well below the UK average of 28%, making it one of the more reliable options.

How does the Subaru WRX MOT failure rate change with age?

The failure rate increases significantly with vehicle age. Newer Subaru WRX models (0-2 years) have a relatively low 14.3% failure rate. This pattern is common across most vehicle models and reflects increased wear on mechanical components over time.

How can I reduce the risk of my Subaru WRX failing its MOT?

The most effective steps are: (1) Check all lights and bulbs before your test — lighting failures are the most common and cheapest to fix. (2) Inspect tyre tread depth and condition. (3) Test your windscreen washers and wipers. (4) Listen for unusual noises from brakes or suspension. (5) Consider a pre-MOT check at a local garage. You can also use our free prediction tool to get a personalised risk breakdown for your specific vehicle.

Where can I check the MOT history of a Subaru WRX?

You can check any vehicle's full MOT history for free on the official DVSA service. This shows all previous test results, advisory items, and failure reasons. AutoSafe goes further by analysing this data with AI to predict your future MOT outcome.

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Other Subaru Models

Compare the Subaru WRX MOT failure rate against other Subaru models:

Similar Failure Rate Models

These models from other manufacturers have a similar MOT failure rate to the Subaru WRX:

Related Guides

Data methodology: Failure rates are weighted averages across all mileage bands, calculated from official DVSA MOT test records. Only age/mileage combinations with 100+ tests are included. Component risks represent the probability of failure in each specific area. Data covers 142 million MOT tests across the UK.

Trust signals: Risk model: CatBoost v55 • Data source: DVSA Open Data (OGL v3) • Last updated: 2026-03-08 • Limitation: population averages; individual vehicle condition, service history and mileage may vary.

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