2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

2,127 MOT tests in 2024. 74.1% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

131Well above average
Passed first time74.1%
Failed or needed repairs25.9%
Typical mileage at test102,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,127 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.2%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.6%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.6%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.2%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics18.1%
  2. Suspension14.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks13.8%
  4. Body & chassis6.8%
  5. Brakes6.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  7. Tyres2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.9%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.9%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.4%

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.

← 2004 ImprezaAll Impreza years2006 Impreza →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 74.1% of 2005 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,127 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 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; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 131, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).