Does the Subaru WRX fail the MOT on lamps, reflectors and electrics more than it should?
The Subaru WRX records 5.21 lamps, reflectors and electrics failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 10.18 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−4.97, 95% interval −5.57 to −4.37). It ranks 525 of 729 models on lamps, reflectors and electrics (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on lamps, reflectors and electrics · check a Subaru WRX by registration
What exactly fails on lamps, reflectors and electrics?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Subaru WRX is “A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources”, recorded 166 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 166 | 1.53 |
| A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 64 | 0.59 |
| A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | 42 | 0.39 |
| The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 40 | 0.37 |
| An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 37 | 0.34 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 10,843 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Subaru WRX by postcode area · Subaru WRX body, chassis and structure failures · Subaru WRX brakes failures · Subaru WRX vehicle identification failures · Subaru WRX noise, emissions and leaks failures · Subaru WRX steering failures · Subaru WRX suspension failures · Subaru WRX tyres failures · Subaru WRX visibility failures