1989 Subaru Unclassified MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Unclassified models manufactured in 1989, based on 36 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Subaru Unclassified MOT Analysis
The 1989 Subaru Unclassified has an MOT pass rate of 72.2% based on 36 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 101,110 miles on the odometer. With a 27.8% failure rate, the 1989 Unclassified is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Subaru Unclassified is Suspension, responsible for 8.3% 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. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 2.8%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall Unclassified 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 | 8.3% | 3 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 2.8% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 101,110 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 | 0.82 | 8.3% | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 0.27 | 2.8% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Subaru Unclassified has an MOT pass rate of 72.2% based on 36 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 101,110 miles on the odometer. With a 27.8% failure rate, the 1989 Unclassified is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Subaru Unclassified, 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 101,110 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 8.3% of failures
Suspension issues account for 8.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Subaru Unclassified 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.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 2.8% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 2.8% of MOT failures on 1989 Subaru Unclassified models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.