Subaru Vivio Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Subaru Vivio car check
Is the Subaru Vivio reliable? We analysed 1,694 real MOT tests across 273 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Subaru Vivio? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Subaru Vivio is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, brake pipe excessively corroded and seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Subaru Vivio.
Subaru Vivio Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Subaru Vivio. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Subaru Vivio MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Subaru Vivio to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Subaru Vivio Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Subaru Vivio fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Subaru Vivio Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Subaru Vivio owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Subaru Vivio MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Subaru Vivio year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 79 | 59.5% | 58,154 | 64,891 | 74,562 |
| 1994 | 498 | 68.7% | 36,368 | 49,654 | 62,537 |
| 1993 | 877 | 65.0% | 35,379 | 48,929 | 65,712 |
| 1992 | 111 | 65.8% | 49,868 | 59,529 | 70,846 |
How Long Does a Subaru Vivio Last?
Based on 273 Subaru Vivio vehicles on UK roads.
Subaru Vivio Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Subaru Vivio 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 Vivio
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
68.7% MOT pass rate from 498 tests
59.5% MOT pass rate from 79 tests
The best year to buy a used Subaru Vivio is 1994, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 68.7% across 498 tests. The 1995 model year has the lowest pass rate at 59.5% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Subaru Vivio Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Vivio THIS CAR | 65.8% | 1,694 | 51,578 mi | 34 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 |
| Mini Countryman Cooper S ALL4A | 85.3% | 2,263 | 47,845 mi | 16 yrs |
Compared to the Subaru Impreza (75.7% pass rate) and the Subaru Forester (76.1% pass rate), the Subaru Vivio trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Subaru Vivio 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 VivioShould you buy a used Subaru Vivio?
The Subaru Vivio has an overall MOT pass rate of 65.8% across 1,694 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Subaru Vivio are suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (198 recorded failures), brake pipe excessively corroded (158), and seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (130). 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 Vivio owner drives around 2,030 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 Vivio models stay on UK roads for around 34 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.