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Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) (2007-2013) reliability

Not enough data

Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) built around 2011: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) models built around 2011 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

2007-2013SaloonPETROL

Based on 231 tests of WRX models registered 2007-2013.

GE/GH (3rd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9122.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14015.7%

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.

How the WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 2,817 tests across 5 Subaru models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9122.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14015.7%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the WRX GE/GH (3rd gen).

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%

    No clear edge over the Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,081 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Volvo S60

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.8%

    No clear edge over the Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,849 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.1%
    Dangerous
    6.6%

    No clear edge over the Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) on these figures.

    4,197 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.6%
    Dangerous
    6.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    No clear edge over the Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,066 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

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.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

1 of the 2 WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Subaru WRXes of this age

This list covers every Subaru WRX built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the GE/GH (3rd gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    10.0%
    Advisory: 19Fail: 3 (14% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    7.9%
    Advisory: 16Fail: 1 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    7.1%
    Advisory: 15Fail: 2 (12% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.4%
    Advisory: 15Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    5.7%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 140 tests

Looking at a Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Subaru WRX GE/GH (3rd gen) (2007-2013) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 140 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 231 MOT tests on Subaru WRXes first registered between 2007-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.