2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

1,711 MOT tests in 2024. 76.3% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

135Well above average
Passed first time76.3%
Failed or needed repairs23.7%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,711 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.6%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.7%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.4%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.7%
  2. Emissions & leaks14.4%
  3. Suspension14.0%
  4. Brakes8.0%
  5. Body & chassis5.1%
  6. Tyres2.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.4%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened5.4%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine4.8%

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.

← 2003 ImprezaAll Impreza years2005 Impreza →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 76.3% of 2004 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,711 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 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 2004 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 135, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).