2011 · 13 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2011 Subaru Wrx MOT pass rate and common faults

121 MOT tests in 2024. 82.6% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

134Well above average
Passed first time82.6%
Failed or needed repairs17.4%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 121 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits2.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect0.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak0.8%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks14.0%
  2. Suspension4.1%
  3. Tyres3.3%
  4. Lights & electrics2.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  6. Brakes2.5%
  7. Body & chassis1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.6%
  4. Anti-roll bars - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.1%

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: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Wrx years2014 Wrx →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Subaru Wrx?

In 2024, 82.6% of 2011 Subaru Wrx cars passed their MOT first time, across 121 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 Subaru Wrx?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2011 Subaru Wrx reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 134, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).