At a Glance
The Subaru Mv Pickup has 36 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the MV (1978-1994) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 9K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Subaru Mv Pickup common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Subaru Mv Pickup generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Subaru Mv Pickup owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Subaru Mv Pickup Generations
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Most Common Subaru Mv Pickup MOT Failures
Every reason Subaru Mv Pickup 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 15.62% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 9.77% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.59% |
| 4 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.83% |
| 5 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 4.48% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.14% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.99% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.59% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 3.50% |
| 10 | Parking brake condition | 3.15% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.47% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 1.86% |
| 13 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.61% |
| 14 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.48% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.42% |
| 16 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 1.36% |
| 17 | Chassis condition | 1.24% |
| 18 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.24% |
| 19 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 1.18% |
| 20 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.11% |
| 21 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 1.05% |
| 22 | Tyre condition | 1.02% |
| 23 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.02% |
| 24 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.93% |
| 25 | Electrical switch fault | 0.80% |
| 26 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 27 | Steering lock fault | 0.77% |
| 28 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.77% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.74% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.68% |
| 31 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.65% |
| 32 | Steering operation fault | 0.65% |
| 33 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.65% |
| 34 | Body security fault | 0.62% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.62% |
| 36 | Towbar fault | 0.59% |
| 37 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.56% |
| 38 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.53% |
| 39 | Steering arm worn | 0.53% |
| 40 | Driveshaft fault | 0.49% |
| 41 | Headlamp fault | 0.49% |
| 42 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.43% |
| 43 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.43% |
| 44 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.40% |
| 45 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.40% |
| 46 | Brake caliper fault | 0.37% |
| 47 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 48 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.34% |
| 49 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.31% |
| 50 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.31% |
| 51 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.31% |
| 52 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.28% |
| 53 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.25% |
| 54 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.25% |
| 55 | Front suspension fault | 0.25% |
| 56 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 57 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.22% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 59 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.19% |
| 60 | Indicator fault | 0.19% |
| 61 | Steering column fault | 0.19% |
| 62 | Steering rack fault | 0.19% |
| 63 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.19% |
| 64 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.15% |
| 65 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.15% |
| 66 | Driver seat fault | 0.15% |
| 67 | Front lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 68 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.15% |
| 69 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.15% |
| 70 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 72 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.12% |
| 73 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.12% |
| 74 | Drag link end worn | 0.12% |
| 75 | Propshaft fault | 0.12% |
| 76 | Steering shaft fault | 0.12% |
| 77 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 78 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.12% |
| 79 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 80 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 81 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 82 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.09% |
| 83 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.09% |
| 84 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.09% |
| 85 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 86 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.09% |
| 87 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.06% |
| 88 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 89 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 90 | Exhaust leak | 0.06% |
| 91 | Fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 92 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 93 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 94 | Horn not working | 0.06% |
| 95 | Passenger seat fault | 0.06% |
| 96 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 97 | Suspension unit fault | 0.06% |
| 98 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 99 | Transmission oil leak | 0.06% |
| 100 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 101 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 102 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 103 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 104 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 107 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Rear lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 109 | Rear suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 110 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 112 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 113 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.03% |
| 114 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 115 | Universal joint worn | 0.03% |
| 116 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 117 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.03% |
Showing all 117 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Subaru Mv Pickup MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Subaru Mv Pickup, 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 Mv Pickup problems?
Based on analysis of 9K Subaru Mv Pickup MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 36 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Subaru Mv Pickup generation has the most problems?
The Subaru Mv Pickup MV (1978-1994) (1978–1994) has the highest number of identified common problems (41). Click the generation card above for the 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 Mv Pickup?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Subaru Mv Pickup owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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