1988 Subaru 1.8l MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 1.8l models manufactured in 1988, based on 31 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1988 Subaru 1.8l MOT Analysis
The 1988 Subaru 1.8l has an MOT pass rate of 90.3% based on 31 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 112,996 miles on the odometer. With a 9.7% failure rate, the 1988 1.8l is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1988 Subaru 1.8l is Suspension, responsible for 9.7% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Steering is the second most common issue at 6.5%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 3.2%.
Top failures specific to 1988 models only. The overall 1.8l page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 9.7% | 3 |
| 2 | Steering | 6.5% | 2 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 3.2% | 1 |
| 4 | Brakes | 3.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 112,996 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.86 | 9.7% | 3 |
| Steering | 0.57 | 6.5% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.29 | 3.2% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.29 | 3.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1988 Subaru 1.8l has an MOT pass rate of 90.3% based on 31 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 112,996 miles on the odometer. With a 9.7% failure rate, the 1988 1.8l is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1988 Subaru 1.8l, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 112,996 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 9.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 9.7% of MOT failures on 1988 Subaru 1.8l models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Steering — 6.5% of failures
Steering issues account for 6.5% of MOT failures on 1988 Subaru 1.8l models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Driver's View of the Road — 3.2% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1988 Subaru 1.8l models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.