Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2011 Subaru Wrx?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2011 Subaru Wrx?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2011 Subaru Wrx?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

How many 2011 Subaru Wrx vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

22% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2011 Subaru Wrx reliable?

Based on MOT data from 148 vehicles, the 2011 Subaru Wrx has a first-time MOT pass rate of 87.4%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 2011 Subaru Wrx?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 2011 Subaru Wrx are: Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (28.8% of vehicles), Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (24.8% of vehicles), Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (22.7% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2011 Subaru Wrx?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Subaru Wrx (2011)

148 real MOT outcomes analysed • 87.4% first-time pass rate

2011 Subaru Wrx

CarHunch analysed 148 real MOT records for the 2011 Subaru Wrx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2011 Subaru WRX is a genuinely reliable performer, with an 87.4% first-time pass rate that sits well above the UK average of 80%—but one in five of these cars has recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a red flag worth taking seriously on inspection. At nearly 58,000 miles on average, these WRXs show typical mileage for their age, though the relatively high failure count of 1.6 per vehicle suggests specific weak spots rather than across-the-board fragility.

The advisory tally of 8.6 per car points to wear items that need regular attention, particularly given this model's performance-car nature and the demanding driving patterns many owners put them through. Before buying, have a trusted mechanic inspect the suspension, cooling system, and intercooler specifically—the failure data suggests these areas earn their keep on the repair list.

We have limited data for the 2011 Subaru Wrx — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

87.4%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

21.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.6

Over 11.9 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

56k

Middle half: 44k–72k

For context

These stats describe 148 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 148 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 28.8%

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Tyre wear 24.8%

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Other issues 14.9%

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Oil leak, but not excessive

Exhaust & emissions 12.5%

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits · Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits · Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2011.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 148 Subaru Wrx cars.

Before you buy a 2011 Subaru Wrx

Based on MOT data from 148 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 21.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 2011 Subaru Wrx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

55,928

typical

44,348

low mileage

71,957

high mileage

Half of all 2011 Subaru Wrx vehicles fall between 44,348 and 71,957 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 44,348 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 44,348–71,957 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2011 Subaru Wrxs sit.

⚠ Over 97,141 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2011 Subaru Wrx — Still on the Road

Most 2011 Subaru Wrxs are still being driven.

107 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 76% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

11.9

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.6

Avg failures per vehicle

8.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Subaru Wrx: All Wrx years → Which year to buy? →

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Or browse all models: Subaru →

Compare with another model

See how the 2011 Subaru Wrx stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?