2018 Subaru Outback: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Subaru Outback?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Subaru Outback than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints15.5× usual
  Subaru Outback

  3.1% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2018 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 2018 Subaru Outback MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Subaru Outback MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Brakes
  18% 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.

• Suspension
  10% 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
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  1% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 15.5× as often on the 2018 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?