Is the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,254 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 1,254 tests in 2026. This ranks 216 out of 586 cars from 2016.

Which year SUBARU OUTBACK is most reliable?

The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK?

The average mileage for a 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK is 75,847 miles, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SUBARU OUTBACK (2016)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,254 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2498cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol2498cc10 years old1,254 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2498cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2498cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.

At 10 years old, 90% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,254 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,847 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars216th of 586(top 37%)

Rank among SUBARU models50th of 193(top 26%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

vs 2016 cars average+5%(85% avg)

vs SUBARU average+7%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

75,847

Average miles

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK has 75,847 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2016 sits between the two at 90%.

SUBARU OUTBACK by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 5 SERIES

2018 · 2998cc Petrol

£2,037/year

91%

+1%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2018 · 2995cc Petrol

£2,037/year

93%

+3%

FORD MONDEO

2016 · 2000cc Petrol

£1,867/year

87%

-3%

JAGUAR XE

2016 · 1999cc Petrol

£1,867/year

87%

-3%

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About the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

The 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK is a large car with a 2498cc petrol engine. 1,254 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 75,847 miles at 10 years old, SUBARU OUTBACK owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 SUBARU OUTBACK Fuel Costs

The 2498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

SUBARU OUTBACK Reliability Trend

Newer SUBARU OUTBACKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK

At 10 years old, the SUBARU OUTBACK is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 10 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SUBARU OUTBACK(2016)	90%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2277
BMW 5 SERIES(2018)	91%	£1592	£190	Grp 30-42	£2037-£240
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2018)	93%	£1592	£190	Grp 30-42	£2037-£240
FORD MONDEO(2016)	87%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£410
JAGUAR XE(2016)	87%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£410

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.