Subaru Sambar Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Subaru Sambar car check
Is the Subaru Sambar reliable? We analysed 813 real MOT tests across 111 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Subaru Sambar? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Subaru Sambar is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively, fog lamp missing and position lamp(s) not working. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Subaru Sambar.
Subaru Sambar Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Subaru Sambar. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Subaru Sambar MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Subaru Sambar to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Subaru Sambar Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Subaru Sambar fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Subaru Sambar Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Subaru Sambar owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Subaru Sambar MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Subaru Sambar year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 63 | 71.4% | 58,343 | 81,165 | 95,844 |
| 2013 | 53 | 64.2% | 69,156 | 82,715 | 92,433 |
| 2008 | 92 | 63.0% | 44,913 | 72,204 | 85,957 |
| 1998 | 63 | 68.3% | 74,050 | 90,499 | 109,378 |
| 1997 | 77 | 68.8% | 74,716 | 86,095 | 112,136 |
How Long Does a Subaru Sambar Last?
Based on 111 Subaru Sambar vehicles on UK roads.
Subaru Sambar Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Subaru Sambar MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Subaru Sambar
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
71.4% MOT pass rate from 63 tests
63.0% MOT pass rate from 92 tests
The best year to buy a used Subaru Sambar is 2015, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 71.4% across 63 tests. The 2008 model year has the lowest pass rate at 63.0% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Subaru Sambar Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Sambar THIS CAR | 69.7% | 813 | 82,076 mi | 29 yrs |
| Subaru Impreza | 75.7% | 915,729 | 83,083 mi | 33 yrs |
| Subaru Forester | 76.1% | 456,470 | 85,220 mi | 29 yrs |
| Subaru Legacy | 72.5% | 349,986 | 96,000 mi | 35 yrs |
| Piaggio Beverly ST 350 | 87.5% | 767 | 10,220 mi | 14 yrs |
Compared to the Subaru Impreza (75.7% pass rate) and the Subaru Forester (76.1% pass rate), the Subaru Sambar trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Subaru Sambar you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Subaru SambarShould you buy a used Subaru Sambar?
The Subaru Sambar has an overall MOT pass rate of 69.7% across 813 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Subaru Sambar are windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (34 recorded failures), fog lamp missing (21), and position lamp(s) not working (18). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Subaru Sambar owner drives around 1,253 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Subaru Sambar models stay on UK roads for around 29 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.