Subaru Outback MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 7,450 MOT tests on the Subaru Outback carried out in 2023. 25% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Outbacks passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (83% passed, +7.1 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2005 models fared worst (53%, −2.9 points). Tested cars had covered 86,625 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 11.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 7,450
- First-time pass rate
- 75%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +3.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 86,625
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Outback?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Outback MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 246 | 92% | 88% | +4.6 points | 24,973 |
| 2019 | 597 | 90% | 86% | +3.9 points | 31,845 |
| 2018 | 656 | 90% | 84% | +5.7 points | 43,183 |
| 2017 | 465 | 86% | 82% | +4.6 points | 53,457 |
| 2016 | 759 | 86% | 79% | +7.0 points | 66,566 |
| 2015 | 794 | 83% | 75% | +7.1 points | 78,349 |
| 2014 | 233 | 77% | 72% | +5.1 points | 94,760 |
| 2013 | 279 | 74% | 68% | +5.6 points | 94,902 |
| 2012 | 306 | 71% | 66% | +5.0 points | 103,585 |
| 2011 | 548 | 65% | 63% | +1.8 points | 111,508 |
| 2010 | 495 | 64% | 60% | +3.5 points | 119,191 |
| 2009 | 353 | 61% | 59% | +1.9 points | 109,843 |
| 2008 | 255 | 61% | 57% | +3.8 points | 120,081 |
| 2007 | 425 | 60% | 57% | +3.5 points | 123,709 |
| 2006 | 471 | 57% | 56% | +1.0 points | 124,936 |
| 2005 | 313 | 53% | 56% | −2.9 points | 131,586 |
| 2004 | 221 | 57% | 56% | +1.0 points | 130,215 |
Why the Subaru Outback fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Outback | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.8% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 8.5% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 6.3% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 4.2% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 3.9% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.7% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 3.4% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.5%
- 2ball joint excessively worn3.2%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn2.4%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2%
- 6constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
- 8inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.5%
- 9tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
- 10has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
Common Outback MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Outback, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 14.6% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 11.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 6.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.4% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 3.2% |
Tips to help your Outback pass
Based on where Outbacks most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.8% of Outback tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 6.3% of Outback tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Outback ULEZ compliant? See the Subaru Outback ULEZ check, or view all Subaru models.
Other Subaru models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 7,450 first MOT tests of the Subaru Outback carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 7,450 first MOT tests of the Subaru Outback.
What is the Subaru Outback MOT failure rate?
In our data, 25% of 7,450 first MOT attempts on the Subaru Outback ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Subaru Outback fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (11.8% of tests), suspension (8.5% of tests), brakes (6.3% of tests).
Which Outback year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 83% passed first time, +7.1 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2005, at 53% (−2.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Subaru Outback covered at its MOT?
The average was 86,625 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 24,973 miles and 2004 cars 130,215.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Subaru Outback?
"pin or bush excessively worn" was recorded on 14.6% of tests, in the suspension area. 8.5% of Outbacks failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Outback's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 7,450 Outbacks in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Outback's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.