2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

1,036 MOT tests in 2024. 73.8% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

127Well above average
Passed first time73.8%
Failed or needed repairs26.2%
Typical mileage at test108,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,036 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.7%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.3%
  4. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.2%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.0%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
  8. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened1.5%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low1.5%
  10. Headlamp: not working on main beam1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics18.8%
  2. Suspension15.4%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.2%
  4. Body & chassis7.2%
  5. Brakes7.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  7. Tyres2.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.6%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened5.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 73.8% of 2002 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,036 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 127, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).