2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

203 MOT tests in 2024. 58.1% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time58.1%
Failed or needed repairs41.9%
Typical mileage at test135,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 203 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.4%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.9%
  3. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn5.9%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.9%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened3.9%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.9%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.9%
    12 marked dangerous
  8. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.4%
  10. Washers: not working3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension34.0%
  2. Lights & electrics24.1%
  3. Body & chassis21.2%
  4. Brakes15.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.9%
  6. Tyres9.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.9%
  8. Steering2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn19.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.8%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened12.8%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn12.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Outback years2005 Outback →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 58.1% of 2004 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 203 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2004 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).