We've only got 206 MOT tests for Subaru WRXes built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.
We've only seen a handful of Subaru WRXes built around 2018 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Before you view it
The Subaru WRX's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
By build year
Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.
Find your WRX's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
8.3% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Likely between 5.2% and 12.8%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)
15.7% fail rate, built around 2011 (14 years old)
Likely between 10.6% and 22.6%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 29%)
Not sure which one you're looking at?
Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Subaru WRX.
See every build year for the Subaru WRXSide-by-side
Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.
| Generation | Rating | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| VA (4th gen) (2014-2021) | Excellent | 8.3%likely between 5.2% and 12.8%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 206 MOT tests at this age |
| GE/GH (3rd gen) (2007-2013) | Excellent | 15.7%likely between 10.6% and 22.6%built around 2011 (14 years old)from 140 MOT tests at this age |
Each row is one generation of the WRX, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.
By age
This chart combines every Subaru WRX ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.
All generations of this model
These issues come from 7-year-old Subaru WRXes, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Brake pads wearing thin
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 206 MOT tests on 7-year-old Subaru WRXes, every generation combined.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
Not enough registration data to show this for the Subaru WRX.
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
1 of the 2 Subaru WRX recalls covers cars built in these years.
Top concerns
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Subaru WRX on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
8,135 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Subaru WRX on these figures.
2,110 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Subaru WRX on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
21,428 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Subaru WRX on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Common questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Subaru WRX across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 206 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
