2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Subaru Legacy MOT pass rate and common faults

122 MOT tests in 2024. 66.4% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time66.4%
Failed or needed repairs33.6%
Typical mileage at test106,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 122 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.6%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working4.1%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  5. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.3%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.5%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.2%
  2. Suspension14.8%
  3. Brakes12.3%
  4. Body & chassis10.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  7. Number plates & VIN2.5%
  8. Tyres2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.4%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick12.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.7%

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 Legacy?

In 2024, 66.4% of 2002 Subaru Legacy cars passed their MOT first time, across 122 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rear fog lamp: not working; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Subaru Legacy reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).