Used car guide

2010 Subaru WRX: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Subaru WRX first registered in 2010: we looked at the 201 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 201 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

201MOTs of 2010 cars, done in 2023–2025
78%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%)
5,600typical miles a year
18%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 2010 Subaru WRX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Subaru WRX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    16% 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 emissions
    13% 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.

  • Suspension
    11% 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.

  • Brakes
    8% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Subaru WRX

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Subaru WRX?

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Other years

Every year of the Subaru WRX compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018280Tyres 11%
2017918Tyres 13%
2016970Tyres 17%
2015823Tyres 17%
20141,031Tyres 16%
2013181Tyres 24%
2012368Tyres 18%
2011348Suspension 17%

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 WRX cars first registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score