MOT failure rate and common problems for the Subaru 700, and how to check your own car by registration.

Updated 05 September 2026.

31.5%fail rate

Subaru 700 MOT failure rate

What a Subaru 700 fails its MOT on, and the part that fixes each.

What it fails on, and why

Steering52.2% of failures

Steering faults are typically worn track-rod ends or ball joints, play in the rack, or a split gaiter letting grease out and dirt in. Excessive free play at the wheel fails.

Brakes47.8% of failures

Brake failures cover worn pads and discs, an imbalance between wheels, corroded or scored discs, or a binding caliper. Braking efficiency is measured on a rolling road, so a spongy or pulling brake shows up as a low reading.

Exhaust & emissions34.8% of failures

Exhaust failures cover leaks, insecure mountings and emissions over the limit. A blowing exhaust, a failed lambda reading or a diesel that smokes beyond the limit will fail.

Suspension30.4% of failures

Suspension failures usually mean a worn or snapped coil spring, a leaking shock absorber, or play in a lower arm ball joint or bush. The tester checks for corrosion, fractures and excessive movement. A broken front spring is one of the most common failures on higher-mileage cars and is a straightforward replacement.

Lamps & electrical26.1% of failures

Lighting is the single most common MOT failure and the cheapest to put right. A blown headlight, brake-light or number-plate bulb, a cracked lens, or a headlamp beam that points too high or low will all fail. Most are a two-minute bulb swap.

Tyres21.7% of failures

Tyres fail for tread below the 1.6mm legal limit across the central three-quarters, uneven or exposed-cord wear, or sidewall damage. The tester inspects all four; a single illegal tyre is a fail.

The parts that fix each

If your car has just failed, you have 10 working days to fix the items and get a free partial retest. Confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.

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Other models

All Subaru models MOT failure rates comparedRanked worst to best Subaru Impreza MOT failures24.4% failure rate Subaru Forester MOT failures23.6% failure rate Ford Fiesta MOT failures27.1% failure rate

Questions and answers

What is the MOT failure rate of the Subaru 700?

It fails 31.5% of its MOT tests across the DVSA record, from 73 tests.

What do these cars fail their MOT on most?

The most common failure area is steering, at 52.2% of this model's failures.