Subaru

Subaru Wrx (2014)

397 real MOT outcomes analysed • 93.4% first-time pass rate

2014 Subaru Wrx

CarHunch analysed 397 real MOT records for the 2014 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 Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 397 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2014 Subaru WRX is a notably reliable performer, with a 93.4% first-time pass rate that sits well ahead of the UK average of 80%—this is a car that's been properly looked after by its owners. The dangerous defect rate of 13.9% is comfortably below the concern threshold, so structural or safety issues aren't a widespread problem with this generation.

These cars are running at reasonable mileage for their age, averaging 41,191 miles, which suggests they've been used but not hard-driven into the ground. The low failure count of 0.64 per vehicle combined with a moderate advisory rate of 5.5 tells you that when issues do arise, they're typically minor wear items rather than anything serious—if you're shopping for one, have a pre-purchase inspection done on the specific car's service history, as that will matter more than the cohort average here.

The 2014 Subaru Wrx passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (93.4% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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
93.4%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
13.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.64
Over 8.7 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
39k
Middle half: 29k–50k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 93.4% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.5 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 397 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.

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What tends to go wrong

Across 397 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 29.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front 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.
Brake wear 29.3%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 9.3%
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded · Offside Rear Coil spring corroded
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 8.9%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
Exhaust & emissions 6.1%
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 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 397 Subaru Wrx cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2014 Subaru Wrx

Based on MOT data from 397 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 13.9% 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 ClickMechanic
  • 📄 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 carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,116 Subaru Wrx vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 35.7%
756
White 20.6%
436
Grey 16.7%
354
Black 15.8%
335
Silver 8.9%
189
Red 2.2%
46

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 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.

39,052
typical
28,848
low mileage
50,415
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Subaru Wrx vehicles fall between 28,848 and 50,415 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 28,848 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.
28,848–50,415 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Subaru Wrxs sit.
Over 68,060 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Subaru Wrx — Still on the Road

Almost all 2014 Subaru Wrxs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 335 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.

360 335 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* 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

8.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.64
Avg failures per vehicle
5.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Subaru Wrx: All Wrx years → Which year to buy? →
2011 2015 2016 2017 2018

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Compare with another model

See how the 2014 Subaru Wrx stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?