1998 Subaru Legacy: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Subaru Legacy first registered in 1998: we looked at the 149 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 149 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1998 Subaru Legacy MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Subaru Legacy MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension39% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks27% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Brakes27% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors20% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Subaru Legacy
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Subaru Legacy?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Subaru Legacy compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2020 | 115 | Suspension 35% |
| 2019 | 148 | Suspension 32% |
| 2018 | 162 | Suspension 25% |
| 2017 | 114 | Suspension 35% |
| 2016 | 140 | Suspension 29% |
| 2013 | 546 | Suspension 36% |
| 2012 | 752 | Suspension 31% |
| 2011 | 1,306 | Suspension 37% |
| 2010 | 1,322 | Suspension 43% |
| 2009 | 1,158 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 1,081 | Suspension 54% |
| 2007 | 1,361 | Suspension 47% |
| 2006 | 1,815 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 1,629 | Suspension 51% |
| 2004 | 1,344 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 648 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 381 | Suspension 40% |
| 2001 | 406 | Suspension 43% |
| 2000 | 293 | Suspension 46% |
| 1999 | 217 | Suspension 45% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Subaru Legacy cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score