Used car guide

2014 Subaru BRZ: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Subaru BRZ first registered in 2014: we looked at the 331 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 331 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

331MOTs of 2014 cars, done in 2023–2025
86%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%)
6,200typical miles a year
20%had tyres flagged

Common 2014 Subaru BRZ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Subaru BRZ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    20% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    18% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    11% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    11% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    4% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Subaru BRZ

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Subaru BRZ?

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Other years

Every year of the Subaru BRZ compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021–Too few tests
2020–Too few tests
2019226Tyres 23%
2018270Tyres 19%
2017443Tyres 18%
2016354Tyres 21%
2015351Tyres 21%
2013393Tyres 24%
2012185Tyres 24%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Subaru BRZ cars first registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score