2004 Subaru Outback: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Subaru Outback?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Subaru Outback than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Subaru Outback

  21% All 2004 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.8× usual
  Subaru Outback

  15.3% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.9× usual
  Subaru Outback

  15.1% All 2004 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.3× usual
  Subaru Outback

  5.6% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2004 Subaru Outback MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Subaru Outback MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Subaru Outback

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2004 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2004 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?