2010 · 14 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2010 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

448 MOT tests in 2024. 63.4% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time63.4%
Failed or needed repairs36.6%
Typical mileage at test124,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 448 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working10.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.9%
    28 marked dangerous
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.5%
  4. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault2.9%
  5. Stop lamp: not working2.7%
  6. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened2.0%
  7. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative2.0%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.0%
  9. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.8%
  2. Brakes17.6%
  3. Suspension15.4%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.5%
  5. Body & chassis5.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  7. Tyres4.2%
  8. Steering0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn20.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)10.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.8%

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: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 63.4% of 2010 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 448 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2010 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).