Most Reliable Subaru Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 61,035 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Subaru models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
61,035 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Subaru model from 1989-2022
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Subaru WRX
89.2% pass rate
Best Single Year
IMPREZA 2004 Petrol
73.4% pass rate
Subaru vs National Average
73.2% vs 71.4%
+1.7% above average
Proven Durability Champion
IMPREZA
+15.6% at 18-20 years
Subaru sits near the middle of UK manufacturer rankings. We analysed 61,035 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to identify which Subaru models outperform the brand average and which to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Subaru models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Subaru Compares to Rivals
Subaru ranks #119 out of 180 manufacturers with a 73.2% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Subaru | 73.2% | #119 | 61,035 |
| Volkswagen | 71.9% | #129 | 3,034,850 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #143 | 4,473,074 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #155 | 3,052,659 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Subaru sits at #119.
Best Subaru Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Subaru's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX | 89.2% | +17.7% | 1,846 | 1993-2021 |
| XV | 82.6% | +11.2% | 6,115 | 2011-2021 |
| OUTBACK | 74.6% | +3.1% | 7,450 | 2001-2022 |
| FORESTER | 69.5% | -1.9% | 16,641 | 1996-2022 |
| LEGACY | 63.0% | -8.5% | 6,005 | 1989-2022 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The WRX leads Subaru's lineup with an 89.2% pass rate.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Subaru Models Age Best?
These Subaru models have proven exceptional durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They consistently outperform the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMPREZA | - | All | +15.6% | 18-20 years | 71.8% |
| IMPREZA | - | All | +13.4% | 15-17 years | 71.2% |
| IMPREZA | - | All | +12.1% | 21+ years | 73.0% |
| JUSTY | - | All | +11.2% | 15-17 years | 69.0% |
| IMPREZA | - | All | +11.0% | 11-14 years | 75.7% |
| XV | - | All | +5.3% | 11-14 years | 70.0% |
| LEGACY | - | All | +5.0% | 15-17 years | 62.9% |
| LEGACY | - | All | +4.3% | 18-20 years | 60.5% |
| FORESTER | - | All | +3.6% | 18-20 years | 59.7% |
| OUTBACK | - | All | +3.0% | 15-17 years | 60.8% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Proven durability champion
The IMPREZA outperforms the average 18-20 years-old car by 16 percentage points, with 6,119 MOT tests proving its reliability.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Subaru models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX | - | All | +15.4% | 8-10 years | 90.9% |
| IMPREZA | - | All | +9.8% | 8-10 years | 85.2% |
| OUTBACK | - | All | +7.7% | 8-10 years | 83.2% |
| XV | - | All | +5.0% | 8-10 years | 80.4% |
| OUTBACK | - | All | +4.6% | 3-7 years | 89.4% |
| XV | - | All | +4.1% | 3-7 years | 88.9% |
| FORESTER | - | All | +3.4% | 3-7 years | 88.2% |
| IMPREZA | - | All | +2.8% | 3-7 years | 87.6% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Subaru FORESTER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The FORESTER has 16,641 tests in our database with an overall 69.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 95.0% | +8.7% | 515 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.0% | +1.8% | 602 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 86.8% | +2.6% | 790 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 86.3% | +4.7% | 600 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 81.2% | +2.6% | 629 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 76.0% | -2.7% | 578 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 76.4% | +0.9% | 564 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 77.7% | +6.0% | 551 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 70.2% | -1.5% | 614 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 63.1% | +0.1% | 669 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 58.1% | -2.4% | 671 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 61.5% | +4.2% | 546 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Diesel | 58.1% | -2.4% | 671 |
| 2006 | Petrol | 57.7% | +1.5% | 1,007 |
| 2004 | Petrol | 59.5% | +3.5% | 901 |
FORESTER verdict: The 2019 hybrid electric model achieves a 95.0% pass rate (24 points above average). Avoid the 2010 diesel (58.1%).
Avoid early FORESTER models
The 2010 diesel FORESTER has a 58.1% pass rate, well below the national average.
Subaru Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Subaru. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 94.5% | +23.1% | 1,079 |
| Petrol | 73.3% | +1.9% | 49,582 |
| Diesel | 70.2% | -1.2% | 10,284 |
The hybrid advantage: Subaru hybrids pass MOTs 21% more often than petrols and 24% more often than diesels.
Subaru Models to Avoid
Not all Subarus are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORESTER | 2010 | Diesel | 58.3% | 642 |
| FORESTER | 2006 | Petrol | 57.9% | 991 |
| LEGACY | 2004 | Petrol | 58.4% | 502 |
| FORESTER | 2004 | Petrol | 59.4% | 896 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2004-2010 petrol/diesel FORESTERs are the models that drag down Subaru's average. These are the weakest performers in the lineup.
What Goes Wrong on Subarus?
When Subarus fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7,305 |
| 2. Suspension | 6,045 |
| 3. Noise, emissions and leaks | 3,737 |
| 4. Brakes | 3,678 |
| 5. Body, chassis, structure | 2,650 |
| 6. Visibility | 2,357 |
| 7. Tyres | 2,266 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Subaru owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check exhaust system for leaks and emissions
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- XV 2019 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- OUTBACK 2019 Petrol: 90% pass rate
- FORESTER 2019 Petrol: 88% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- IMPREZA (18-20 years): +13% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- JUSTY (15-17 years): +11% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- XV (11-14 years): +5% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- LEGACY (15-17 years): +4% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Subaru Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 61,035 tests on Subaru vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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