Subaru Wrx Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Subaru Wrx car check
Is the Subaru Wrx reliable? We analysed 18,325 real MOT tests across 2,200 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Subaru Wrx? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Subaru Wrx is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive and exhaust emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Subaru Wrx.
Subaru Wrx Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Subaru Wrx. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Subaru Wrx MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Subaru Wrx to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Subaru Wrx Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Subaru Wrx fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Subaru Wrx Common Faults & Problems
These are the most common serious faults found on Subaru Wrx models during MOT testing — flagged as dangerous or major failures that need immediate attention.
Subaru Wrx Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Subaru Wrx owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Subaru Wrx MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Subaru Wrx year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 572 | 95.1% | 11,154 | 19,727 | 31,956 |
| 2017 | 2,151 | 93.6% | 16,179 | 25,724 | 38,677 |
| 2016 | 2,782 | 91.6% | 22,871 | 34,278 | 49,348 |
| 2015 | 2,657 | 91.7% | 23,634 | 36,265 | 53,568 |
| 2014 | 3,618 | 92.5% | 25,012 | 38,486 | 55,691 |
| 2013 | 106 | 88.7% | 33,320 | 47,530 | 57,505 |
| 2012 | 714 | 85.0% | 32,560 | 51,975 | 73,774 |
| 2011 | 1,840 | 86.7% | 37,712 | 55,964 | 78,468 |
| 2010 | 1,143 | 85.6% | 34,397 | 53,832 | 75,713 |
| 2009 | 80 | 87.5% | 46,305 | 96,971 | 135,193 |
| 2007 | 172 | 77.3% | 61,540 | 93,970 | 115,599 |
| 2006 | 134 | 76.9% | 58,481 | 74,350 | 96,163 |
| 2005 | 257 | 79.0% | 59,828 | 81,092 | 123,925 |
| 2004 | 389 | 77.9% | 62,991 | 94,412 | 134,335 |
| 2003 | 226 | 77.9% | 62,096 | 77,773 | 103,348 |
| 2002 | 143 | 76.9% | 62,938 | 85,507 | 122,904 |
| 2001 | 116 | 77.6% | 72,992 | 101,809 | 114,108 |
| 2000 | 134 | 76.1% | 63,256 | 81,714 | 102,584 |
| 1999 | 204 | 75.5% | 79,856 | 108,539 | 133,563 |
| 1998 | 81 | 69.1% | 105,051 | 118,772 | 134,870 |
How Long Does a Subaru Wrx Last?
Based on 2,200 Subaru Wrx vehicles on UK roads.
Subaru Wrx Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Subaru Wrx 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 Wrx
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
95.1% MOT pass rate from 572 tests
67.3% MOT pass rate from 110 tests
The best year to buy a used Subaru Wrx is 2018, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 95.1% across 572 tests. The 1994 model year has the lowest pass rate at 67.3% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Subaru Wrx Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Wrx THIS CAR | 88.8% | 18,325 | 41,948 mi | 27 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 |
| Volkswagen Golf R-line Etsi S-a | 91.1% | 13,241 | 29,468 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Subaru Impreza (75.7% pass rate) and the Subaru Forester (76.1% pass rate), the Subaru Wrx outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Subaru Wrx 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 WrxShould you buy a used Subaru Wrx?
The Subaru Wrx has an overall MOT pass rate of 88.8% across 18,325 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Subaru Wrx are tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (125 recorded failures), exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (123), and exhaust emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (87). 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.
On the safety side, the most frequently flagged dangerous fault is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Dangerous faults cause an immediate MOT failure and mean the vehicle is not roadworthy until repaired. If you're viewing a Subaru Wrx with an expired or recently passed MOT, ask the seller whether any dangerous faults were found and fixed during the last test.
A typical Subaru Wrx owner drives around 4,224 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 Wrx models stay on UK roads for around 27 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.