1996 Subaru Imprezza MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Imprezza models manufactured in 1996, based on 93 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1996 Subaru Imprezza MOT Analysis
The 1996 Subaru Imprezza has an MOT pass rate of 57.0% based on 93 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 110,255 miles on the odometer. With a 43.0% failure rate, the 1996 Imprezza is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1996 Subaru Imprezza is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 3.2% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+. Identification of the vehicle is the second most common issue at 1.1%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 1.1%.
Top failures specific to 1996 models only. The overall Imprezza 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 3.2% | 3 |
| 2 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 1.1% | 1 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.1% | 1 |
| 4 | Steering | 1.1% | 1 |
| 5 | Tyres | 1.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 110,255 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.29 | 3.2% | 3 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.10 | 1.1% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.10 | 1.1% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.10 | 1.1% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.10 | 1.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1996 Subaru Imprezza has an MOT pass rate of 57.0% based on 93 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 110,255 miles on the odometer. With a 43.0% failure rate, the 1996 Imprezza is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1996 Subaru Imprezza, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. With an average mileage of 110,255 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 3.2% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1996 Subaru Imprezza models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Identification of the vehicle — 1.1% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1996 Subaru Imprezza models. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.1% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1996 Subaru Imprezza models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.