Subaru MOT Failure Rate UK 2026
How often does a Subaru fail its MOT first time, and how does that compare to the UK average? The numbers below are based on DVSA MOT test data averaged across all Subaru models.
Subaru MOT failure rate: approximately 16.2% of Subaru cars fail their MOT first time in the UK, giving a pass rate of 83.8%. That’s better than the UK national failure rate of 36% — Subaru ranks #6 most reliable brand for MOT in 2026.
Subaru first-time MOT pass rate
83.8%
Implied failure rate: 16.2% · UK average pass rate: 64%
+19.8 pp
pass-rate gap vs national 64% average
#6 most reliable
in our 2026 UK brand ranking
Subaru vs the UK average
The UK national first-time MOT pass rate sits at around 64%, which means roughly 36% of cars fail on their first attempt. Subaru’s pass rate of 83.8% is 19.8 percentage points above that — a meaningfully stronger result than the average UK car. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time, although age and maintenance still matter more than badge.
Check a specific Subaru by registration
Brand averages are useful, but a single car’s history is what actually matters when you buy. Enter the reg for the full MOT history — free, instant.
Free MOT check — see every test result since 2005 at /free-mot-check.
Most common failure points for Subaru
Aggregated across all Subaru models in our data set. These are the categories most likely to trigger an MOT failure.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
Suspension
Brakes
Tyres
Exhaust, fuel and emissions
How to improve your Subaru’s chances of passing
- Check every bulb. Lighting and electrical faults are the single most common MOT failure category in the UK — a £3 bulb is the easiest fix on the list.
- Inspect tyre tread and pressures. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Anything under 2 mm is a near-certain advisory and often a fail.
- Top up screenwash and check wipers. An empty washer bottle is an automatic fail. Wiper blades that smear or chatter will also be flagged.
- Listen for suspension knocks. Worn drop links, top mounts and bushes are a frequentSubaru failure point. A pre-MOT check at a garage is cheaper than a retest fee.
- Clear all dashboard warning lights. Permanent ABS, airbag, ESP or tyre-pressure warnings are direct MOT failures under the post-2018 testing rules.
- Don’t skip advisories from the last test. Today’s advisory is tomorrow’s failure. Pull up the last MOT report and address anything that was flagged.
Related reading
Subaru MOT check
Pass rates and reliability data per Subaru model.
Subaru common faults
Detailed fault list and indicative repair costs.
What MOT advisories actually mean
Why ignoring an advisory often turns into a failure.
Can I drive without an MOT?
The legal position and the exemptions that exist.
MOT failure rates by make 2026 — full ranking
See where Subaru sits against every other major UK brand.
Subaru MOT failure rate — FAQ
What is the Subaru MOT failure rate in the UK?
How does the Subaru pass rate compare to the UK average?
What are the most common reasons a Subaru fails its MOT?
How can I check the MOT history of a specific Subaru?
Are these Subaru failure rates official DVSA figures?
Check a Subaru’s MOT history
Enter the registration to see every test result, advisory, and mileage reading — free.
Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data, brand-average pass rates as published in our MOT Failure Rates by Make 2026 ranking. Common-failure breakdowns averaged across Subaru models in our reliability dataset. Individual cars vary — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.