2018 Subaru Legacy: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Subaru Legacy first registered in 2018: we looked at the 162 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 162 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2018 Subaru Legacy MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Subaru Legacy MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Brakes19% 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 electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres12% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Driveshafts and joints7% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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% |
| 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% |
| 1998 | 149 | Suspension 39% |
| 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 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score