Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) (2021-present) reliability
Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) built around 2021: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) models built around 2021 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) 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.
Based on 1,115 tests of Outback models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 12 petrol Outback cars registered in 2022 (8.1%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 556 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
Mk6 (BT) fail rate by age
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 4 years old.
How the Outback Mk6 (BT) compares
At each age below, see how the Outback Mk6 (BT) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 1,839 tests across 7 Subaru models, built around 2021 (4 years old).
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 priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk6 (BT).
- 1
Kia ProCeed
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.2%
- Dangerous
- 7.1%
No clear edge over the Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) on these figures.
1,379 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Volvo V90
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.2%
- Dangerous
- 5.4%
No clear edge over the Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,637 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Volvo V60
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.6%
- Dangerous
- 4.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.4%
No clear edge over the Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,002 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 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.
Recall context
15 recalls in all2 of the 15 Outback Mk6 (BT) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 recalls
Top concerns
- The eyesight logic may cause an un-necessary activation of the pre-collision braking
- SRT 351 - malfunction of inhibitor switch on CVT
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Mk6 (BT) variants compared
Most common issues on Subaru Outbacks of this age
This list covers every Subaru Outback built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk6 (BT) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 113.0%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 211.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 37.9%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 43.3%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 53.3%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 547 tests
Looking at a Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Subaru Outback Mk6 (BT) (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 421 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.