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Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) (2009-2014) reliability

Not enough data

Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) built around 2014: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) models built around 2014 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2009-2014EstateDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 2,433 tests of Outback models registered 2009-2014.

Mk4 (BR) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
11522.6%
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
16927.8%

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 15 years old.

How the Outback Mk4 (BR) compares

At each age below, see how the Outback Mk4 (BR) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 2,864 tests across 7 Subaru models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
11522.6%
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
16927.8%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Lighting

Worth checking

Inspect the lighting carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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.

Other estates to compare

Other estates, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Outback Mk4 (BR).

  1. 1

    Volvo XC70

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.7%

    Lower fail rate: 17.8%, against 21.0% for the Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR), both built around 2014.

    1,906 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Volvo V70

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    7.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.7%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) on these figures.

    2,262 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Volvo V60

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    7.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.4%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,408 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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.

How many are still registered

92%of all Subaru Outback cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

7 of the 15 Outback Mk4 (BR) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 5 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.

How Outback Mk4 (BR) cars have aged

How Outback Mk4 (BR) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%79111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (185 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (177 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (159 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (151 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (138 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (193 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (196 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (187 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (180 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (150 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (295 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (292 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (283 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (272 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (272 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (474 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (471 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (450 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (393 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (370 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (441 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (426 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (396 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (364 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (313 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (284 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (257 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (229 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (189 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (169 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
Mk4 (BR) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Subaru Outbacks of this age

This list covers every Subaru Outback built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (BR) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    34.3%
    Advisory: 182Fail: 17 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    15.5%
    Advisory: 73Fail: 2 (3% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    12.9%
    Advisory: 45Fail: 8 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    12.0%
    Advisory: 48Fail: 2 (4% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Major

    Sidelight or rear light not working

    7.4%
    Advisory: 15Fail: 17 (53% of the times it was found)

Based on 309 tests

Looking at a Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Subaru Outback Mk4 (BR) (2009-2014) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 309 11-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 2,433 MOT tests on Subaru Outbacks first registered between 2009-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.