2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

609 MOT tests in 2024. 91.6% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time91.6%
Failed or needed repairs8.4%
Typical mileage at test26,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 609 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    14 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high0.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
    4 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements0.3%
  7. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested0.3%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.3%
    3 marked dangerous
  9. Front fog lamps: not working0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes2.8%
  2. Tyres2.6%
  3. Lights & electrics2.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  5. Body & chassis0.2%
  6. Number plates & VIN0.2%
  7. Suspension0.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.5%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick10.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.1%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%

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: 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.

← 2020 OutbackAll Outback years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 91.6% of 2021 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 609 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).