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Subaru Outback reliability by build year

Coverage 2004-present4 named generationsEstatePETROL / DIESEL

We've only got 653 MOT tests for Subaru Outbacks built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Subaru Outback built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Subaru Outbacks built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a Subaru Outback by number plate

Key figure

12% of MOT tests on Subaru Outbacks built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Subaru Outbacks built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Subaru Outback's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Outback's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

M

Mk6 (BT) (2021-present)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROL

10.9% fail rate, built around 2021 (4 years old)

Likely between 8.3% and 14.3%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 9 MOTs, 11.4%)

From 421 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Outback Mk5 (BS)

Mk5 (BS) (2015-2020)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

11.8% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Likely between 9.5% and 14.5%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 653 MOT tests at this ageView details →
M

Mk4 (BR) (2009-2014)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

30.9% fail rate, built around 2013 (12 years old)

Likely between 23.4% and 39.5%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 26.3%)

From 123 MOT tests at this ageView details →
M

Mk3 (BP) (2004-2008)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROL

32.8% fail rate, built around 2007 (18 years old)

Likely between 28.8% and 37.0%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.3%)

From 497 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Subaru Outback.

See every build year for the Subaru Outback

Side-by-side

Subaru Outback generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
Mk6 (BT) (2021-present)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate10.9%likely between 8.3% and 14.3%built around 2021 (4 years old)from 421 MOT tests at this age
Mk5 (BS) (2015-2020)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate11.8%likely between 9.5% and 14.5%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 653 MOT tests at this age
Mk4 (BR) (2009-2014)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate30.9%likely between 23.4% and 39.5%built around 2013 (12 years old)from 123 MOT tests at this age
Mk3 (BP) (2004-2008)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate32.8%likely between 28.8% and 37.0%built around 2007 (18 years old)from 497 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the Outback, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Subaru Outback fail rate by age

This chart combines every Subaru Outback ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
6949.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
54710.2%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
45212.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
68211.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
65311.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
67715.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
96017.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
62419.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
30921.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
27324.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
48727.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
57729.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
50330.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
26529.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
28830.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
49732.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
33331.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
25930.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
12930.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Subaru Outbacks

These issues come from 7-year-old Subaru Outbacks, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.8%
    Advisory: 97Fail: 19 (16% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    13.5%
    Advisory: 141Fail: 16 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    6.6%
    Advisory: 56Fail: 11 (16% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.3%
    Advisory: 68Fail: 5 (7% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    4.6%
    Advisory: 43Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 653 MOT tests on 7-year-old Subaru Outbacks, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Subaru Outbacks notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres36%
  2. Suspension + Tyres17%
  3. Brakes + Suspension17%
  4. Brakes + Windscreen & wipers14%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 88 MOT tests on Subaru Outback cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

92%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

15 recalls in all

10 of the 15 Subaru Outback recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Obstruction in cowl area may force wipers to park out of position and overheat
  • Front passenger airbag inflator may fail
  • The electronic park brake connector may disconnect

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other estates to compare

Other estates to compare

  1. 1

    Volvo V90

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.9%
    Dangerous
    5.8%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Outback on these figures.

    4,016 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    MINI Clubman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.7%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Outback on these figures.

    8,650 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Volvo V60

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    6.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.4%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Outback on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,959 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Subaru Outback across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has the 2nd lowest fail rate of 3 Subaru models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 653 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Subaru Outback ever sold: 9,209 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 653 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.