2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

253 MOT tests in 2024. 88.5% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time88.5%
Failed or needed repairs11.5%
Typical mileage at test32,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 253 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords4.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
    8 marked dangerous
  3. Headlamp aim: too high1.6%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%
  6. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested0.8%
  7. Front fog lamps: not working0.4%
  8. Parking brake control - lever: has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment0.4%
  9. Headlamp cleaning device: for LED or HID headlamp inoperative0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres4.3%
  2. Brakes4.3%
  3. Lights & electrics2.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  5. Suspension0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick12.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.6%
  5. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm2.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2020 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 88.5% of 2020 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 253 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; headlamp aim: too high. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).