2018 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK)

The Starlink-era head unit can become slow, glitchy or develop screen faults such as freezing and ghost touches. Dashboard warning lights and electrical faults dominate the Impreza's MOT failure record, so any persistent electrical warning should be investigated.

Symptoms: Frozen display, Ghost touches...

Est. repair cost: £0–£900

A long-running owner complaint on Impreza forums is a knock or clunk from the front end on bumps or when turning lock to lock, usually traced to worn strut top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links or wishbone bushes. Suspension is a leading MOT failure category on this model.

Symptoms: Knock or clunk from the front over bumps, Clunking when turning lock to lock...

Est. repair cost: £200–£600

Certain 2016-2019 Imprezas were subject to an official UK recall for a possible engine stall with failure to restart, traced to the ignition coils and engine-control-module software. The remedy is a free ECM reprogramme and ignition-coil replacement where needed; not every affected car has had the work done, so the VIN should be checked on the GOV.UK recall register.

Symptoms: Engine stalls unexpectedly, Failure to restart after a stall...

Est. repair cost: £0 (free recall fix)

The Impreza's exhaust can corrode under UK winter salt, causing blowing or rattling noises and an MOT failure on exhaust, emissions and leaks. This failure area is well represented in the Impreza's MOT record, especially on higher-mileage cars.

Symptoms: Loud exhaust roar or hissing, Rattling from underneath the car...

Est. repair cost: £250–£600