2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

464 MOT tests in 2024. 86.9% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time86.9%
Failed or needed repairs13.1%
Typical mileage at test59,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 464 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
    16 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    11 marked dangerous
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high0.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    7 marked dangerous
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.9%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.4%
  9. Registration plates: inscription illegible0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes3.9%
  2. Tyres3.7%
  3. Lights & electrics3.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  5. Suspension2.2%
  6. Number plates & VIN0.6%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick13.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.1%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn4.1%

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 2017 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 86.9% of 2017 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 464 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).