2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

1,009 MOT tests in 2024. 71.2% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

125Well above average
Passed first time71.2%
Failed or needed repairs28.8%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,009 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.1%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.1%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.1%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks19.1%
  2. Lights & electrics16.5%
  3. Suspension14.1%
  4. Brakes8.8%
  5. Body & chassis4.8%
  6. Tyres4.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  8. Number plates & VIN1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn14.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.5%

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 2008 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 71.2% of 2008 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,009 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; 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 emissions & leaks.

Is the 2008 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 125, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).