Subaru Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Subaru? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Subaru reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 83.8% (+19.8 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 6 Subaru models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 1.49% and the average retest rate is 11.9%. Subaru sits well above the UK average on first-time MOT performance. For a buyer focused on long-term reliability, it's a solid badge — though individual mileage and service history still matter more than brand.

Subaru first-time MOT pass rate

83.8%

Implied failure rate: 16.2% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+19.8 pp

Dangerous defects

1.49%

Retest rate

11.9%

How Subaru compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Subaru’s pass rate of 83.8% is 19.8 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Subaru models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Subaru pass rate83.8%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Subaru models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Subaru BRZ

2012–present · sample ≈4k

84.2%

Subaru Levorg

2015–2019 · sample ≈3k

83.8%

Subaru Forester

2002–present · sample ≈12k

83.5%

Most problematic Subaru models

The Subaru models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Subaru Impreza

2000–present · sample ≈12k

80.5%

Subaru Outback

2003–present · sample ≈12k

82.8%

Subaru XV

2012–present · sample ≈8k

83%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Subaru

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Subaru

Aggregated across 6 Subaru models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

14.4%

Suspension

12.9%

Brakes

11.2%

Tyres

9.8%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

7.4%

Subaru reliability — FAQ

Is Subaru a reliable car brand in the UK?

Subaru's first-time MOT pass rate of 83.8% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the stronger half of brands for MOT reliability. We track 6 Subaru models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Subaru model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Subaru models in our dataset are: Subaru BRZ (84.2%), Subaru Levorg (83.8%), Subaru Forester (83.5%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Subaru models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Subaru models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Subaru Impreza (80.5%), Subaru Outback (82.8%), Subaru XV (83%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru?

Aggregated across Subaru models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (14.4%), suspension (12.9%), brakes (11.2%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Subaru’s MOT history

Free, instant, no signup. Every test result, advisory, and mileage reading since 2005.

Free MOT check

Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 6 Subaru models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.