2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Subaru Legacy MOT pass rate and common faults

122 MOT tests in 2024. 65.6% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time65.6%
Failed or needed repairs34.4%
Typical mileage at test102,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 122 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.1%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.3%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.5%
  7. Stop lamp: not working2.5%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%
  9. Washers: not working2.5%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.0%
  2. Suspension20.5%
  3. Body & chassis16.4%
  4. Emissions & leaks9.8%
  5. Brakes9.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.2%
  7. Steering4.9%
  8. Tyres4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.5%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.7%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.0%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.0%

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.

All Legacy years2002 Legacy →

Questions

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

In 2024, 65.6% of 2001 Subaru Legacy cars passed their MOT first time, across 122 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Subaru Legacy?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Subaru Legacy reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).