Subaru Impreza
Registered from 1993 to 2021.
About this model
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru since 1992. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series. It is now in its sixth generation.
From the Wikipedia article Subaru Impreza, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2005 2.0 petrol. 530 of 2,628 tests failed, 20%.
Better than 87% of 2005 cars. The typical one fails 27%, across 837 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 46% | 244 |
| Suspension | 42% | 221 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 36% | 189 |
| Body and structure | 25% | 135 |
| Brakes | 21% | 110 |
| Tyres and wheels | 14% | 72 |
The defects inspectors cite
- The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- Emissions levels exceed default limits
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
Where it stands out against its peers
- Exhaust and emissions: failed more often than 93% of 2005 cars — 36% of its 530 failed tests, where an ordinary 2005 car has 14%.
Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.
NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Suspension — 42% of its failures
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded
- Exhaust and emissions — 36% of its failures
- Emissions levels exceed default limits
- Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
- Brakes — 21% of its failures
- Tyres and wheels — 14% of its failures
- Lights and electrics — 46% of its failures
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Body and structure — 25% of its failures
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded
When it starts failing
At 180–200k miles this one fails 21% of its inspections, against the 30% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 8% | 17% | 64 | |
| 40–60k miles | 12% | 21% | 163 | |
| 60–80k miles | 17% | 26% | 409 | |
| 80–100k miles | 19% | 28% | 567 | |
| 100–120k miles | 22% | 29% | 596 | |
| 120–140k miles | 21% | 30% | 396 | |
| 140–160k miles | 28% | 30% | 239 | |
| 160–180k miles | 29% | 30% | 115 | |
| 180–200k miles | 21% | 30% | 34 |
2,583 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 100k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.0 petrol · 148 hp · 1591 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 7.7 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 2.0 petrol · 148 hp · 1589 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 7.3 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 1.6 petrol · 1451 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 7.4 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 2.0 petrol · 1454 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 6.4 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2017 | 1.6 petrol · 114 hp · 1465 kg · 2661 mm wheelbase · 6.2 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 1.6 petrol · 113 hp · 1416 kg · 2643 mm wheelbase · 6.0 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 2.5 petrol · 294 hp · 1583 kg · 2620 mm wheelbase · 10.0 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2011 | 2.0 petrol · 150 hp · 1471 kg · 2620 mm wheelbase · 8.2 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2010 | 2.5 petrol · 1565 kg · 2621 mm wheelbase · 10.2 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00326/20
The sealing of the brake hoses may be insufficient. As a result, brake fluid may leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00327/20
Due to improper Engine Control Module (ECM) programming, the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is switched off. If the ignition coil remains energized for a long time, its internal temperature may increase which could cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of electric shock and fire.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00594/20
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves may have been improperly manufactured.Consequently, they could break, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber, leading to a loss of engine power and increasing the risk of accident.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00601/20
The fuel pump harness connector can overheat and melt, causing the fuel pump to become inoperative. As a result, the engine will stall or will not be able to start, increasing the risk of an accident.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00890/21
The bolts on the rear stabiliser bracket could come loose over time.The loose bracket could then interact with other components, causing damage and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00922/21
The ignition coils may fail and the ignition coil fuse may blow.As a result, the engine may stop while driving and not restart, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/0786/16
Due to incorrect functioning of the load cell of the occupancy sensor system on the passenger's side, the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/1788/18
The housing of the passenger air bag gas generator may burst when the airbag is activated, owing to excessive internal pressure. This can cause the occupants of the vehicle to be injured by metal fragments.
Recall of the product from end users