2009 · 15 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2009 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate and common faults

760 MOT tests in 2024. 74.3% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

127Well above average
Passed first time74.3%
Failed or needed repairs25.7%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 760 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.9%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.2%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.1%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.7%
  9. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative1.4%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    15 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks14.6%
  2. Suspension14.3%
  3. Lights & electrics13.7%
  4. Body & chassis6.1%
  5. Brakes5.1%
  6. Tyres3.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.7%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2008 ImprezaAll Impreza years2010 Impreza →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Subaru Impreza?

In 2024, 74.3% of 2009 Subaru Impreza cars passed their MOT first time, across 760 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Subaru Impreza?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 127, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).