Subaru Impreza reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Subaru Impreza is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 159 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 47 of 442, and 25.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (3.6% of tests).
Ranked 47 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 12,523 Subaru Imprezas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 25.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Subaru Impreza is 37% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
25.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,100
Typical age at test: 17 years
Subaru Impreza MOT failure rate by age
Most common Subaru Impreza MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working3.6% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9% of tests
- Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.8% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.5% of tests
What the Subaru Impreza fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.1% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Suspension | 9.3% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 8.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Brakes | 5.0% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Body and structure | 4.6% | ▼ 38% less often |
| Visibility | 3.3% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Tyres | 3.2% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | ▼ 42% less often |
| Steering | 0.6% | ▼ 84% less often |
| Wheels | 0.5% | About average |
What MPG does the Subaru Impreza do?
Official economy for the Subaru Impreza ranges from 25.4 to 48.7mpg across the 61 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2021). A typical petrol version manages 36.7mpg and a typical diesel 48.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Subaru Impreza?
Any Subaru Impreza first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Subaru Impreza registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSubaru Impreza specs and running costs
Official figures for 61 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2021.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
25.4–48.7 mpg
CO2
140–265 g/km
Power
114 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD 1.6i SE Lineartronic114 PS · CVT · listed 2021 | Petrol | 35.9 mpg | 177g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD From 2015 MY 1.6i SE Lineartronic WLTP114 PS · CVT · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Impreza AWD WLTP 1.6i SE Lineartronic114 PS · CVT · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| Impreza AWD, From 2015 MY 1.6i All Trim LevelsCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 140g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD, From 2015 MY 1.6i All Trim Levels5MT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 147g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD , from 2018MY 2.0i SE LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 152g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD , from 2018MY 1.6i SE LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 145g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD , from 2018MY 1.6i SE Lineartronic WLTPCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 42.5 mpg | 151g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD, From 2014 MY 1.6i RC5MT · listed 2015 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 147g | £225 |
| Impreza AWD, From 2014 MY 1.6i RC LineartronicCVT · listed 2015 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 140g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD, From 2014 MY 1.6i RC LineartronicAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 140g | £200 |
| Impreza AWD, From 2014 MY 1.6i RCManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 147g | £225 |
| Impreza AWD, 2011 MY 2.0D RCManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 152g | £275 |
| Impreza AWD, 2011 MY 2.0D RXManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 152g | £275 |
| Impreza AWD, 2011 MY 1.5 RCManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 176g | £360 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 61 versions.
What a Subaru Impreza costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 36.7mpg…
- diesel, typical official 48.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Subaru ImprezaBuying a used Subaru Impreza?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Subaru models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Subaru Impreza is 37% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 159 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Subaru Impreza?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 3.6% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Subaru Impreza do?
Official economy for the Subaru Impreza ranges from 25.4 to 48.7mpg across the 61 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2021). A typical petrol version manages 36.7mpg and a typical diesel 48.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Subaru Impreza?
Any Subaru Impreza first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Subaru Impreza registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
›How many Subaru Imprezas fail their MOT?
25.7% of Subaru Imprezas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Subaru Impreza combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.