1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

132 MOT tests in 2024. 78.8% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

119Well above average
Passed first time78.8%
Failed or needed repairs21.2%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 132 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: leaking on a hydraulic braking system2.3%
    6 marked dangerous
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.3%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  5. Washers: not working2.3%
  6. Headlamp aim: too high1.5%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.5%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.5%
  10. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks14.4%
  2. Lights & electrics12.1%
  3. Suspension11.4%
  4. Brakes9.1%
  5. Body & chassis5.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  7. Steering1.5%
  8. Tyres1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.1%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.1%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened4.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Impreza years1997 Impreza →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 78.8% of 1996 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 132 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rigid brake pipes: leaking on a hydraulic braking system; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 119, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).