2021 Subaru Outback: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Subaru Outback?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Subaru Outback than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Subaru Outback

  13.1% All 2021 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2021 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.

• Shock absorbers2.1× usual
  Subaru Outback

  3% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2021 Subaru Outback MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Subaru Outback MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  21% 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
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  5% 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
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 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 brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2021 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2021 Subaru Outback as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?