Used buying checklist
Subaru Outback reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Subaru Outback looks about average for reliability in UK MOT data: 17.4% of 8,608 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 17.4% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 86,507 miles
- 1,496 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced, corroded and seriously weakened, and prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced
- corroded and seriously weakened
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- excessively corroded
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint excessively worn
- ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- worn down to wear indicator
- inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 17.4%, -1.3 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed8,608 tests
- Median tested mileage86,507 miles
- Failed MOT tests1,496
Should you buy a used Subaru Outback?
82.6% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 17.4%, -1.3 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Subaru Outback, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 6.5% at 0-3 years to 27.7% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (20.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (14.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (9.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (6.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Subaru Outback, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Subaru Outback mainly involve 6 areas: brakes, lights and electrical, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and seatbelts and safety systems. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Subaru Outback, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 2,042 | 1,882 | 6.8%-4.0 percentage points vs all models | 33,159 miles |
| 50-100k | 3,043 | 2,499 | 14.8%-5.9 percentage points vs all models | 75,022 miles |
| 100-150k | 2,580 | 1,962 | 24.5%-1.7 percentage points vs all models | 121,508 miles |
| 150-200k | 809 | 586 | 29.5%+2.3 percentage points vs all models | 164,470 miles |
| 200k+ | 89 | 63 | 33.7%+7.2 percentage points vs all models | 215,994 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Subaru Outback, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 6.5% at 0-3 years to 27.7% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 27.7% for 15+ years cars, based on 2,014 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
216 | 201 | 6.5%-2.0 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
1,758 | 1,597 | 7.8%-2.7 percentage points vs all models | 4.9 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
2,406 | 2,045 | 12.7%-3.9 percentage points vs all models | 7.8 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
2,214 | 1,704 | 21.7%-1.8 percentage points vs all models | 12.7 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
2,014 | 1,481 | 27.7%+1.8 percentage points vs all models | 16.9 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2024-11-01 | SRT 351 - Malfunction of inhibitor switch on CVT On affected vehicles the reverse lamp may not illuminate and / or the rear-view monitor may not display an image from the rear-view camera. Replace the inhibitor switch with an improved part. |
|---|---|
| 2022-09-01 | THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE CONNECTOR MAY DISCONNECT The electronic park brake connector may disconnect. Inspect the electronic park brake connector and if necessary fit a retaining clip. |
| 2022-03-01 | THE EYESIGHT LOGIC MAY CAUSE AN UN-NECESSARY ACTIVATION OF THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKING The Eyesight logic may cause un-necessary activation of the pre-collision braking. Re-program the Eyesight software |
| 2019-03-20 | A DRIVING RANGE INDICATOR IN THE MULTI INFORMATION DISPLAY HAS A PROGRAM ERROR Driver multi-function display inaccurate remaining fuel mileage range. Affected vehicles will have a software enhancement. |
| 2019-03-01 | THE LOAD MAY EXCEED THE VALVE SPRING'S FATIGUE STRENGTH AND THE SPRING MAY FRACTURE Engine valve springs may fracture. Replace all engine valve springs. |
| 2019-01-01 | ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE CAPACITOR ON INNER CIRCUIT BOARD AND MAGNET RING OF THE SENSOR MAY FRACTURE Electronic park brake capacitor may fracture and fail. Replace the park brake actuator on affected vehicles. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Subaru Outback. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Subaru reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.