Subaru Wrx MOT Failures
An analysis of 5,313 real DVSA MOT tests on the Subaru Wrx — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: GR (2008–2014), VA (2014–2019).
Where the Subaru Wrx fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Subaru Wrx is exhaust system damage — this model is 62 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 5,313 MOT tests, 1.14% of all Subaru Wrx tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
Other notable weak points include emissions failure (26x the fleet average) and anti-roll bar links worn (6.5x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Subaru Wrx's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 3 categories: Bodywork, Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension. If you're inspecting a Subaru Wrx before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Subaru Wrx specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Ringland failure (GR/GV) Dangerous
The ringland is the area of piston between the top compression ring and the oil control ring on EJ25 turbocharged engines. Affects GR/GV.
Clutch pedal and bracket failure Dangerous
US NHTSA complaints document multiple cases where the clutch and brake pedal brackets affixed to the firewall break loose, causing the brake pedal to shift towards the clutch position. Affects GR/GV, VA; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
Turbo failure (GR/GV) Major
The IHI VF48 and VF52 turbochargers fitted to GR/GV WRX models develop bearing wear and shaft play over time, particularly when subjected to aggressive driving or poor oil change intervals. Affects GR/GV; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,200–£2,000.
Emissions system failure Major
5L petrol engines between 20,000-40,000 miles. Affects GR/GV, VA; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Subaru Wrx common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Subaru Wrx
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Subaru Wrx:
Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about ringland failure and clutch pedal and bracket failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Subaru Wrx?
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Subaru Wrx MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru Wrx?
Based on 5,313 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is exhaust system damage — at 62x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include emissions failure and anti-roll bar links worn.
Is the Subaru Wrx reliable based on MOT data?
The Subaru Wrx has 3 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag ringland failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
The most common high-mileage failures include exhaust system damage, emissions failure, anti-roll bar links worn.
How do I check a Subaru Wrx's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.