SUBARU IMPREZA Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 4,617 MOT tests from 260 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®. The figures below describe that VehicleScore® sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are not a claim that every SUBARU IMPREZA has the same fault.

SUBARU IMPREZA's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 557/999. The score was calculated from the average of every SUBARU IMPREZA that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the SUBARU IMPREZA.

SUBARU IMPREZA (example)

Check the reliability of your Subaru Impreza

Enter your registration to see the MOT history for this car.

Service history
Dealer & service records
MOT records
Past & current MOT data
Write-off check
Check for insurance write-offs
Finance check
Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
Petrol	2008	555/999Above average	79,496 miles	618 vehicles
Petrol	2007	546/999Above average	77,955 miles	1,127 vehicles
Petrol	2004	552/999Above average	86,270 miles	2,302 vehicles
Petrol	2002	548/999Above average	82,562 miles	2,050 vehicles
Petrol	2001	533/999Above average	81,948 miles	2,279 vehicles
Petrol	1999	607/999Good	90,085 miles	709 vehicles

How reliable is the SUBARU IMPREZA?

Based on 4,617 MOT tests from 260 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®.

Vehicles

260

MOT tests

4,617

Pass rate

78.6%

Median mileage

98,929 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every SUBARU IMPREZA has the same fault. The median VehicleScore® in this sample is 557 out of 999.

Common SUBARU IMPREZA MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 568 advisory comments and 56 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Corrosion

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 151 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: REAR SUB-FRAME CORRODED BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (5.3.3 (B) (I))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 141 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (3.5.1G)

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 109 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Lambda sensor issues

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 89 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lambda sensor reading or defect noted at the test.

What to inspect

Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS LAMBDA READING AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE OUTSIDE SPECIFIED LIMITS (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 39 advisory comments and 46 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST NOISY (7.1.4)

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 71 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCESSIVE (7.3.D.3)

Oil leak

VehicleScore® MOT data includes 51 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

SUBARU IMPREZA MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore® has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2010	17	250	84%	Suspension arm issues, Brake disc wear
2009	10	176	76.7%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2008	11	192	83.9%	Tyre wear, Suspension arm issues
2007	18	299	78.3%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2006	23	414	77.1%	Tyre wear, Exhaust
2005	17	330	81.8%	Tyre wear, Exhaust
2004	35	766	76.9%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2003	25	515	79.4%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2002	13	225	81.8%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2001	12	211	72%	Tyre wear, Exhaust
2000	12	237	73.4%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
1999	19	320	77.5%	Exhaust, Brake pad wear
1998	10	138	86.2%	Tyre wear, Exhaust
1997	8	122	77.9%	Corrosion, Anti-roll bar issues
1996	9	146	76.7%	Exhaust, Emissions test issues
1995	7	109	77.1%	Exhaust, Tyre wear
1994	5	85	74.1%	Exhaust, Anti-roll bar issues

What to check when buying a used SUBARU IMPREZA

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore® sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Lambda sensor issues. Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.
Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.
Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Buying a SUBARU IMPREZA?

Common problems tell you what can affect SUBARU IMPREZAs generally. VehicleScore® can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore® analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

Browse Other SUBARU Models

SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU LEGACY

← Back to Reliability Check