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

Based on 231 tests of WRX models registered 2007-2013.
GE/GH (3rd gen) fail rate by age
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).
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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Exhaust
Worth checkingListen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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

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

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

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

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 all1 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.
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
- 110.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.9%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 37.1%Advisory
Exhaust has a minor leak
- 46.4%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 55.7%Advisory
Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened
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.