2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

743 MOT tests in 2024. 85.1% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time85.1%
Failed or needed repairs14.9%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 743 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
    24 marked dangerous
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.8%
    10 marked dangerous
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.7%
  9. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension4.2%
  2. Tyres3.8%
  3. Brakes3.6%
  4. Lights & electrics3.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%
  6. Body & chassis0.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  8. Steering0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.0%
  5. Anti-roll bars - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.5%

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: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. 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 2016 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 85.1% of 2016 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 743 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; coil spring: fractured or broken; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).