1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

761 MOT tests in 2024. 78.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

124Well above average
Passed first time78.2%
Failed or needed repairs21.8%
Typical mileage at test108,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 761 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.1%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.4%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.0%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.3%
  9. Washers: not working1.3%
  10. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks15.5%
  2. Lights & electrics14.2%
  3. Suspension10.5%
  4. Brakes6.6%
  5. Body & chassis4.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  7. Steering2.9%
  8. Tyres1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.5%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 78.2% of 1999 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 761 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 124, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).