At a Glance
Subaru has 92 identified common problems across 24 models, with the Mv Pickup being the most affected model and exhaust the most common problem category. Based on 1.6M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Subaru common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 1.6M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Subaru models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Subaru Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 24 Subaru models.
Impreza
Most common: Suspension
Forester
Most common: Suspension
Legacy
Most common: Suspension
Outback
Most common: Suspension
Justy
Most common: Suspension
Xv
Most common: Brakes
Wrx
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Mv Pickup
Most common: Suspension
B9 Tribeca
Most common: Suspension
Most Common Subaru MOT Failures
Every reason Subaru vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.89% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.93% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.36% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.23% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 4.70% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 4.62% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 4.25% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.15% |
| 9 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.04% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 3.88% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.83% |
| 12 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.52% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.73% |
| 14 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.72% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.68% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 2.08% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.99% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.95% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.65% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.60% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.19% |
| 22 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.05% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 1.03% |
| 24 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.84% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 0.83% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.82% |
| 27 | Steering rack fault | 0.73% |
| 28 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.69% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.58% |
| 31 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.56% |
| 32 | Rear suspension fault | 0.54% |
| 33 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.54% |
| 34 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.54% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.51% |
| 36 | Chassis condition | 0.46% |
| 37 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.41% |
| 38 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.38% |
| 39 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.37% |
| 40 | ABS fault | 0.35% |
| 41 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.34% |
| 42 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.32% |
| 43 | Parking brake condition | 0.30% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.28% |
| 45 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 46 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.26% |
| 47 | Track rod end worn | 0.25% |
| 48 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.25% |
| 49 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.23% |
| 50 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.23% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.22% |
| 52 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.22% |
| 53 | Airbag warning light on | 0.22% |
| 54 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.21% |
| 55 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.21% |
| 56 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 57 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.19% |
| 58 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 59 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.18% |
| 60 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 61 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 62 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 64 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 66 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 68 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 69 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 70 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.07% |
| 71 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.06% |
| 75 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 76 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 77 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 78 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 79 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.05% |
| 81 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 82 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 83 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 84 | CV joint worn | 0.04% |
| 85 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 90 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 92 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 94 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 104 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 105 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 106 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 109 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 124 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 133 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 136 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 138 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 139 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 145 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 146 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 153 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 155 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 162 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 166 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 170 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 177 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 180 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 187 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 190 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Subaru MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Subaru, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru problems?
Based on analysis of 1.6M Subaru MOT tests from DVSA data, Subaru has 92 identified common problems across 24 models. The Subaru Mv Pickup has the most recorded problems. Exhaust issues are the most common category.
Which Subaru model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Subaru Mv Pickup has the highest count with 37 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Subaru models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Subaru?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Subaru owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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