2003 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 74.4% of Subaru Imprezas first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. Across 5,173 Impreza first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Subaru Imprezas first used in 2003 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Imprezas first used in 2003 against all cars first used in 2003 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Impreza figure was 15.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2003 Impreza | All cars first used 2003 | Impreza first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 68.5% | 54.0% | 2,181 |
| 2022 | 70.4% | 55.7% | 2,062 |
| 2023 | 71.8% | 56.7% | 1,886 |
| 2024 | 73.1% | 57.2% | 1,701 |
| 2025 | 74.4% | 58.7% | 1,586 |
Common 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT failures
Share of the 1,396 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 17.8% | 249 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 12.8% | 178 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 12.3% | 172 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.2% | 142 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 8.5% | 119 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2003 Subaru Impreza before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
Common 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2003 Imprezas, as a share of all 5,173 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 9.1% | 469 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 8.8% | 453 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 7.8% | 403 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 5.4% | 280 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 5.0% | 257 |
Questions about the 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2003 Subaru Impreza?
In 2025, 74.4% of Imprezas first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2003 Impreza most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 48.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (41.0%) and noise, emissions and leaks (33.6%). The single most common item was “Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength” (17.8%).
How often does a 2003 Subaru Impreza fail its MOT?
In 2025, 25.6% of first tests on Imprezas first used in 2003 did not pass first time: 21.5% failed, and a further 4.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,396 of 5,173 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 9.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (8.8%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (7.8%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (5.4%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (5.0%).
Is a 2003 Subaru Impreza reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 68.5% in 2021 to 74.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2003
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2003 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2003 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2003 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2003 Impreza?
The numbers above cover every Impreza first used in 2003 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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