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Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) (2015-2020) reliability

At a glance

Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) right now?

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

Key figure

12% of MOT tests on Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) models 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 Outback Mk5 (BS) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2015-2020EstateDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 4,052 tests of Outback models registered 2015-2020.

About 1 in 50 Outback Mk5 (BS) MOTs (1.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 653 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.1% and 3.2%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 25 Outback Mk5 (BS) MOTs (4.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 653 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.9% and 5.9%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk5 (BS) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1267.9%
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
50218.3%

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 10 years old.

How the Outback Mk5 (BS) compares

At each age below, see how the Outback Mk5 (BS) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 3,305 tests across 7 Subaru models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1267.9%
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
50218.3%

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.

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.

Other estates to compare

Other estates, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Outback Mk5 (BS).

  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 Mk5 (BS) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    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 Mk5 (BS) 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 Mk5 (BS) 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.

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

3 of the 15 Outback Mk5 (BS) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • The electronic park brake connector may disconnect
  • The eyesight logic may cause an un-necessary activation of the pre-collision braking
  • A driving range indicator in the multi information display has a program error

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

How Outback Mk5 (BS) cars have aged

How Outback Mk5 (BS) 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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (171 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (166 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (167 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.5% (446 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (428 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (395 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (384 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.2% (501 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (475 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (469 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (456 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (435 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.1% (335 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (330 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (335 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (311 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (322 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (588 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (584 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (541 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (525 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (539 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (568 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (552 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (544 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (527 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (502 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
Mk5 (BS) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Subaru Outbacks of this age

This list covers every Subaru Outback built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk5 (BS) on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Subaru Outback Mk5 (BS) (2015-2020) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 653 7-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 4,052 MOT tests on Subaru Outbacks first registered between 2015-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.