2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Subaru Legacy MOT pass rate and common faults

259 MOT tests in 2024. 70.3% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time70.3%
Failed or needed repairs29.7%
Typical mileage at test93,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 259 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working6.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.2%
    14 marked dangerous
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.7%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
  7. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  8. Anti-roll bars - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
  9. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics19.7%
  2. Brakes11.6%
  3. Suspension11.2%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.0%
  5. Tyres5.4%
  6. Body & chassis3.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.9%
  8. Steering0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.6%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.7%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.7%

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: 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.

← 2011 LegacyAll Legacy years2013 Legacy →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Subaru Legacy?

In 2024, 70.3% of 2012 Subaru Legacy cars passed their MOT first time, across 259 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Subaru Legacy?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Subaru Legacy reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).