2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

886 MOT tests in 2024. 72.9% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time72.9%
Failed or needed repairs27.1%
Typical mileage at test111,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 886 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.3%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.9%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.7%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics20.8%
  2. Suspension18.2%
  3. Emissions & leaks16.7%
  4. Brakes11.2%
  5. Body & chassis6.5%
  6. Steering4.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.2%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened7.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.8%

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.

← 2000 ImprezaAll Impreza years2002 Impreza →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 72.9% of 2001 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 886 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 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 lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).