2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

1,665 MOT tests in 2024. 72.5% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

129Well above average
Passed first time72.5%
Failed or needed repairs27.4%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,665 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working4.1%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.5%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.5%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks18.3%
  2. Lights & electrics16.6%
  3. Suspension12.0%
  4. Brakes7.3%
  5. Body & chassis6.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  7. Tyres3.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.1%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.7%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.6%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2006 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 72.5% of 2006 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,665 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2006 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 129, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).