Car statistics
How many Subaru Imprezas are still on the road in Great Britain, how many are declared off the road, how new registrations have changed and which fuels they use. Built from DVLA licensing records and 16,982 DVSA MOT tests.
There were 11,510 Subaru Imprezas licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 16,565 declared off the road (SORN). That is 78.4% fewer than the peak of 53,269 in 2007.
Numbers peaked in 2007 and have fallen every year since, as older cars are scrapped faster than new ones are registered.
| Year | Licensed |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 2,285 |
| 1995 | 4,135 |
| 1996 | 6,912 |
| 1997 | 10,988 |
| 1998 | 15,693 |
| 1999 | 21,529 |
| 2000 | 26,920 |
| 2001 | 32,409 |
| 2002 | 37,077 |
| 2003 | 42,691 |
| 2004 | 46,306 |
| 2005 | 49,928 |
| 2006 | 51,822 |
| 2007 | 53,269 |
| 2008 | 51,852 |
| 2009 | 50,649 |
| 2010 | 48,286 |
| 2011 | 43,976 |
| 2012 | 40,284 |
| 2013 | 36,616 |
| 2014 | 33,178 |
| 2015 | 30,262 |
| 2016 | 27,591 |
| 2017 | 24,795 |
| 2018 | 22,265 |
| 2019 | 19,900 |
| 2020 | 18,162 |
| 2021 | 16,803 |
| 2022 | 15,191 |
| 2023 | 13,773 |
| 2024 | 12,512 |
| 2025 | 11,654 |
| 2026 | 11,510 |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
8 versions of the Subaru Impreza have their own page. The figures above include every version; each version page covers only the cars DVLA records under that version’s name.
| Version | Licensed | SORN |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza WRX | 2,522 | 3,838 |
| Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 4x4 | 811 | 2,852 |
| Subaru Impreza WRX-STI Prodrive | 97 | 217 |
| Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 4x4 RB5 | 64 | 199 |
| Subaru Impreza RB320 | 85 | 139 |
| Subaru Impreza WRX S | 167 | 56 |
| Subaru Impreza WRX UK | 66 | 122 |
| Subaru Impreza Turbo Terzo | 27 | 134 |
In 2025, 75.2% of Subaru Impreza MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Subaru Imprezas tested pass 61.2% of the time, so the Subaru Impreza does better than average for its age, by 14.0 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 74.7%.
Comparing like with like: each bar pair covers cars of the same age, so an older average age does not count against a model.
| Vehicle age | Subaru Impreza | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 years | 79.9% | 75.7% |
| 15–19 years | 73.1% | 58.0% |
| 20+ years | 75.6% | 61.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a Subaru Impreza fails its MOT, appearing on 43.8% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 4.7% of Subaru Impreza tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.
| Defect category | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 43.8% |
| Suspension | 36.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 34.2% |
| Brakes | 20.1% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 18.6% |
| Visibility | 15.0% |
| Tyres | 9.6% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 6.4% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
The single most common reason a Subaru Impreza failed its MOT in 2025 was “Position lamp: not working”, on 12.9% of 4,208 failed tests. 45.5% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.
Share of failed tests with each defect. A test can fail for more than one.
| Defect | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 12.9% |
| Component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Suspension | 12.8% |
| Catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.2% |
| Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.8% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.1% |
| Drive shafts: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Body, chassis, structure | 6.1% |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively Visibility | 5.7% |
| Emissions not tested: unable to be completed Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.4% |
| Headlamp aim: too low Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.1% |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Share of all tests with each advisory: worth checking on a car you are buying.
| Advisory | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge Tyres | 9.7% |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Brakes | 7.3% |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material Brakes | 6.3% |
| Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing Tyres | 5.4% |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened Suspension | 5.0% |
| Suspension arms: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Suspension | 4.9% |
| Engine oil leak, but not excessive Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.9% |
| Brake pads: wearing thin Brakes | 4.6% |
| Exhaust system: minor leak of exhaust gases Body, chassis, structure | 4.6% |
| Component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Suspension | 3.1% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
12 years of the Subaru Impreza, by year of first registration, have their own page with MOT results, common faults, mileage and how many are left. Against all cars of the same age, the 2004 cars did best at their 2025 MOT (77.8% passed first time) and the 1999 cars worst (75.7%).
| Year | Registered | Left | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | – | 1,818 | 75.7% |
| 2000 | – | 2,015 | 77.3% |
| 2001 | – | 2,052 | 72.4% |
| 2002 | – | 2,001 | 74.5% |
| 2003 | – | 2,617 | 74.4% |
| 2004 | – | 2,283 | 77.8% |
| 2005 | – | 2,604 | 74.9% |
| 2006 | – | 2,114 | 74.6% |
| 2007 | – | 2,065 | 71.5% |
| 2008 | – | 1,029 | 72.4% |
| 2009 | – | 744 | 75.3% |
| 2010 | – | 746 | 72.0% |
Registered: cars on the DVLA record at the end of the year they were first registered (these counts start in 2014, so older years show a dash). Left: licensed or declared SORN at the end of 2025. Both cover the United Kingdom. Pass rate: first-time passes at normal MOT tests in Great Britain in 2025; all cars: every car first registered the same year.
The average Subaru Impreza covers 3,416 miles a year, worked out from odometer readings at consecutive MOT tests.
| Vehicle age | Miles a year |
|---|---|
| 6–7 years | 6,882 |
| 8–10 years | 5,231 |
| 11–14 years | 4,690 |
| 15–19 years | 3,902 |
| 20+ years | 2,737 |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Registrations of Subaru Imprezas for the first time in Great Britain peaked at 6,537 in 2003. In 2025, 143 were registered.
| Year | First registrations |
|---|---|
| ’01 | 6,132 |
| ’02 | 5,616 |
| ’03 | 6,537 |
| ’04 | 4,955 |
| ’05 | 4,970 |
| ’06 | 4,374 |
| ’07 | 4,040 |
| ’08 | 2,140 |
| ’09 | 1,268 |
| ’10 | 1,122 |
| ’11 | 192 |
| ’12 | 60 |
| ’13 | 41 |
| ’14 | 142 |
| ’15 | 242 |
| ’16 | 234 |
| ’17 | 143 |
| ’18 | 268 |
| ’19 | 251 |
| ’20 | 81 |
| ’21 | 108 |
| ’22 | 101 |
| ’23 | 71 |
| ’24 | 124 |
| ’25 | 143 |
Source:DfT / DVLA 2001 to 2025 Updated
Of the 12,012 Subaru Imprezas licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 65.8% have an engine of 1,901cc to 2,000cc, and 22.7% have an engine of 2,401cc to 2,500cc. The share with an engine of 1,901cc to 2,000cc has fallen from 75.8% in 2014 to 65.8%.
DVLA records engine size in 100cc bands.
| Engine size | Share of those licensed |
|---|---|
| 1,901cc to 2,000cc 7,902 licensed | 65.8% |
| 2,401cc to 2,500cc 2,731 licensed | 22.7% |
| 1,601cc to 1,700cc 671 licensed | 5.6% |
| 1,401cc to 1,500cc 448 licensed | 3.7% |
| Other sizes 260 licensed | 2.2% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
| Engine size | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,901–2,000cc | Petrol | 7,813 | 65.0% |
| 2,401–2,500cc | Petrol | 2,728 | 22.7% |
| 1,601–1,700cc | Petrol | 670 | 5.6% |
| 1,401–1,500cc | Petrol | 448 | 3.7% |
| 2,001–2,100cc | Petrol | 198 | 1.6% |
Share of those licensed at the end of each year, for the most common sizes.
| Year | 1,901–2,000cc | 2,401–2,500cc | 1,601–1,700cc | 1,401–1,500cc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 75.8% | 16.8% | 0.4% | 3.7% |
| 2015 | 74.3% | 17.8% | 1.0% | 3.8% |
| 2016 | 73.0% | 18.6% | 1.6% | 4.1% |
| 2017 | 71.5% | 19.5% | 2.1% | 4.4% |
| 2018 | 70.3% | 20.2% | 2.5% | 4.6% |
| 2019 | 68.9% | 20.8% | 3.4% | 4.7% |
| 2020 | 68.0% | 21.5% | 3.6% | 4.7% |
| 2021 | 67.3% | 21.7% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
| 2022 | 66.4% | 22.0% | 4.6% | 4.7% |
| 2023 | 65.9% | 22.4% | 5.0% | 4.4% |
| 2024 | 65.7% | 22.6% | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| 2025 | 65.8% | 22.7% | 5.6% | 3.7% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.
The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the Subaru Impreza from 2000, when the data begins, to 2021. On the WLTP test (listings 2019 to 2021), official combined fuel economy for its petrol versions ranges from 35.9 mpg, with CO2 of 177 g/km. On the older NEDC test (listings 2000 to 2018), official combined fuel economy for its petrol and diesel versions ranges from 23.3 to 48.7 mpg, with CO2 of 140 to 290 g/km.
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 petrol | 35.9 | 177 | 2019–2021 | Euro 6d‑TEMP | 3 |
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 petrol | 35.8–37.7 | 176–184 | 2007–2013 | Euro 4 to Euro 5 | 17 |
| 1.6 petrol | 31.7–46.3 | 140–210 | 2001–2018 | Euro 3 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 10 |
| 2.0 petrol | 23.3–42.8 | 152–290 | 2000–2018 | Euro 2 to Euro 6c | 49 |
| 2.5 petrol | 25.9–31.4 | 243–257 | 2006–2010 | Euro 4 | 11 |
| 2.0 diesel | 47.9–48.7 | 152–155 | 2009–2013 | Euro 4 to Euro 5 | 12 |
Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated
DVSA lists 14 safety recalls for the Subaru Impreza since 1992, the first in 2004. The most recent was launched on 1 September 2022.
All 14 Subaru Impreza recalls, with defects, remedies and build dates
A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Subaru Impreza. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated
| Model | Licensed | Change on a year | SORN | Rank | Main fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | 11,510 | −7.3% | 16,565 | 323 | Petrol |
| Subaru Forester | 15,896 | −2.1% | 3,745 | 277 | Petrol |
| Subaru Outback | 9,169 | +0.6% | 1,014 | 348 | Petrol |
| Subaru XV | 7,033 | −1.8% | 136 | 386 | Petrol |
| Subaru Legacy | 3,684 | −12.0% | 3,386 | 472 | Petrol |
| Figures | Source | Period | Records | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed and SORN counts | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | End of March 2026 | 28,075 Impreza records (licensed and SORN) | 15 September 2026 |
| Registered for the first time | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | 2001 to 2025 | – | 15 September 2026 |
| MOT results and mileage | Anonymised MOT tests and results Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Derived statistics UK Motoring | 2025 | 16,982 MOT tests | 15 September 2026 |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
