2005 Subaru Outback: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Subaru Outback?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Subaru Outback than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Subaru Outback

  24.3% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.4% of all 2005 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

  16.3% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.5% of all 2005 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-frame2.6× usual
  Subaru Outback

  14.8% All 2005 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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 joints5.4× usual
  Subaru Outback

  8.1% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Subaru Outback

  14.5% All 2005 cars

  8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2005 Subaru Outback MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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
  14% 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
  13% 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 2005 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 2.3× as often on the 2005 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 2005 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2005 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?