At a Glance
The Subaru Outback BP has 7 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Spark ignition emissions above threshold being the most reported. Suspension is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 50K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →
Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Subaru Outback BP — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.
Subaru Outback BP MOT Pass Rate
Across 50K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Subaru Outback BP (2003–2009) has a fail rate of 33.8%.
UK average fail rate (2006–2009): 38.3%
Common Subaru Outback BP Problems
Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.
Spark ignition emissions above threshold
727
occurrences
Headlamp defect (aim check required on retest)
493
occurrences
Headlamp defect (no aim check)
187
occurrences
Parking brake performance below minimum
175
occurrences
Electronic stability control fault
165
occurrences
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Subaru Outback BP owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Subaru Outback BP owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Problems by mileage
Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Subaru Outback BP, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.
384 distinct problems · 103,149 total occurrences in current filter
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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.
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Other Subaru Outback Generations
BH
1998–2003
0 problems
BP
2003–2009
8 problems
Current page
BR
2009–2014
9 problems
BS
2014–2020
0 problems
BT
2021–2025
0 problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru Outback BP problems?
Based on DVSA MOT data for the Subaru Outback BP (2003–2009), we have identified 7 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Suspension is the most common MOT failure category.
How reliable is the Subaru Outback BP?
This generation has 50K MOT tests on record with a 33.8% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.
What commonly fails the MOT on a Subaru Outback BP?
There are 144 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the BP (2003–2009), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.
Can I report a problem with my Subaru Outback BP?
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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