At a Glance
The Subaru Outback has 11 identified common problems across 5 generations, with the BR (2009-2014) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 98K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Subaru Outback common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Subaru Outback generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Subaru Outback Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
BH
Most common MOT failure: Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn
BP
Top issue: Spark ignition emissions above threshold
BR
Top issue: Electronic stability control fault
BS
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
BT
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
Most Common Subaru Outback MOT Failures
Every reason Subaru Outback vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 16.57% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 8.53% |
| 3 | Driveshaft fault | 5.79% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.41% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.32% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 5.32% |
| 7 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 5.19% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 5.06% |
| 9 | Position lamp not working | 4.70% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 2.86% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.60% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.39% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.36% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 2.14% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.90% |
| 16 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.73% |
| 17 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.63% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.42% |
| 19 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.38% |
| 20 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.21% |
| 21 | Indicator fault | 1.03% |
| 22 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.98% |
| 23 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.95% |
| 24 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.83% |
| 25 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.78% |
| 26 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.73% |
| 27 | Fog lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 28 | Rear lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 29 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.51% |
| 30 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.50% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.49% |
| 32 | ABS fault | 0.46% |
| 33 | Rear suspension fault | 0.44% |
| 34 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.41% |
| 35 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.38% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.34% |
| 37 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.32% |
| 38 | Brake pedal fault | 0.32% |
| 39 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 40 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.28% |
| 41 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.27% |
| 42 | Track rod end worn | 0.26% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.26% |
| 44 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 45 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.23% |
| 46 | Steering rack fault | 0.23% |
| 47 | Horn not working | 0.18% |
| 48 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.18% |
| 49 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.17% |
| 50 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.17% |
| 51 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 52 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.15% |
| 53 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.15% |
| 54 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.14% |
| 55 | Parking brake condition | 0.14% |
| 56 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 57 | Airbag warning light on | 0.11% |
| 58 | Chassis condition | 0.11% |
| 59 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 60 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 62 | Propshaft fault | 0.08% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 64 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 65 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.07% |
| 66 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 67 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 69 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 71 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 72 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 73 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 74 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 75 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 78 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 79 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 84 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 86 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 90 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 92 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 93 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 94 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.02% |
| 96 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 99 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 102 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 104 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 110 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 111 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 126 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 127 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 138 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 140 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 142 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 144 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Subaru Outback MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Subaru Outback, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?
Based on analysis of 98K Subaru Outback MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 5 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Subaru Outback generation has the most problems?
The Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014) (2009–2014) has the highest number of identified common problems (9). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Subaru Outback?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Subaru Outback owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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