2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

1,666 MOT tests in 2024. 73.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

128Well above average
Passed first time73.5%
Failed or needed repairs26.5%
Typical mileage at test106,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,666 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.9%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.0%
  6. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.6%
  8. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened1.5%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.4%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics20.4%
  2. Suspension16.4%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.8%
  4. Brakes9.6%
  5. Body & chassis6.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags3.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.1%
  8. Tyres2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.5%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.9%

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 2003 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 73.5% of 2003 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,666 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 128, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).