Subaru Outback

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 12,769 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

82%

Total Tests

12,769

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback was MOT tested 12,769 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (2004 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 82%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 784 tests. The 2005 model has the lowest at 70%. With a 24 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Subaru Outbacks pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 134,291 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 27,630 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2498cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Subaru Outback?

vs average of all models+0% (82% avg)

vs Subaru brand average-1% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread24 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Subaru Outback by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	94%	784	27,630 mi
2020	91%	407	34,925 mi
2019	93%	1,030	41,337 mi
2018	90%	1,085	52,588 mi
2017	91%	746	62,472 mi
2016	90%	1,254	75,847 mi
2015	85%	1,384	87,656 mi
2014	85%	393	101,391 mi
2013	81%	415	100,053 mi
2012	75%	433	112,842 mi
2011	81%	883	114,449 mi
2010	79%	834	123,818 mi
2009	77%	501	115,908 mi
2008	72%	350	120,270 mi
2007	72%	609	123,973 mi
2006	72%	729	130,846 mi
2005	70%	497	130,499 mi
2004	72%	435	134,291 mi

Questions about the Subaru Outback

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (2004 to 2021), the Subaru Outback averages an 82% MOT pass rate, from 12,769 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Subaru Outback has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Subaru Outback has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 70%, a 24 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.