2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 Subaru Wrx MOT pass rate and common faults

324 MOT tests in 2024. 91.7% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time91.7%
Failed or needed repairs8.3%
Typical mileage at test45,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 324 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.2%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits0.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
    3 marked dangerous
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed0.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.3%
    1 marked dangerous
  7. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.3%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.3%
  9. Stop lamp: all not working0.3%
    1 marked dangerous
  10. Panel damaged and likely to cause injury0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks4.6%
  2. Lights & electrics1.9%
  3. Brakes1.9%
  4. Tyres1.2%
  5. Suspension1.2%
  6. Body & chassis0.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.6%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.9%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened4.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.5%

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 manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Subaru Wrx?

In 2024, 91.7% of 2016 Subaru Wrx cars passed their MOT first time, across 324 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Subaru Wrx?

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

Is the 2016 Subaru Wrx reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).