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Subaru Outback Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Subaru Outback (2003–present).

MOT Pass Rate

82.8%0.8% above national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 12,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.50%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

12.0%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

14.5%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

13.0%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

11.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

9.8%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

7.5%

Where Faults Occur

29.0%

Front

28.0%

Rear

21.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

24,000 mi

At 5 years

40,000 mi

At 10 years

78,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Subaru Outback a Good Buy?

The Subaru Outback demonstrates above-average reliability based on MOT test data, with a 82.8% pass rate. This places it 0.8% above the national average, suggesting lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to many competitors.

While no car is without faults, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues are the most common concern, affecting approximately 14.5% of failed tests. These tend to be relatively affordable to fix at £30–£150.

Subaru Outback MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Subaru Outback.

View Subaru Outback MOT Data

Check a Specific Subaru Outback

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Subaru Outback.

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Other Subaru Models

Subaru Forester

83.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Subaru XV

83.0%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Subaru Impreza

80.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Subaru BRZ

84.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Subaru Levorg

83.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Subaru models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Subaru Outback?
The top MOT failure on the Subaru Outback is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 14.5% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Subaru Outback MOT pass rate?
The Subaru Outback has an estimated MOT pass rate of 82.8%, which is 0.8% above the national average of 82%. This rates the Subaru Outback as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Subaru Outback has a good reliability record with a 82.8% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.50% and a retest rate of 12.0%.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Outback MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Subaru Outback MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Subaru Outback have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Subaru Outback covers approximately 24,000 mi by 3 years, 40,000 mi by 5 years, and 78,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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