Petrol Subaru Outback: MOT pass rate

80.2% of petrol Subaru Outbacks pass the MOT first time, measured across 4,709 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 82,966.

Petrol against the other Subaru Outback versions

Why the fuel type changes the number

Petrol cars avoid the DPF and emissions failures that catch diesels, and usually fail on the same consumables as any other car.

On the Subaru Outback specifically, petrol is the strongest at 80.2%, and this petrol version sits 0.6 points above the 79.6% model average.

What it means if you are buying one

There is little to choose between fuel types on this model, so decide on running costs and mileage rather than MOT record. Buying a damaged one? run it through the analyzer, check the exact car, decode the VIN and check the mileage before you bid.

Mileage is part of the answer

The average petrol Subaru Outback had covered 82,966 miles at test, against 100,067 for the diesel. That is above average, the point where suspension bushes, drop links and exhaust corrosion start showing up as advisories before they become failures.

Fuel type and mileage are tangled together: diesels are usually bought by higher-mileage drivers, so some of any gap between fuels is the miles rather than the engine. The per-year figures on the Subaru Outback page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a petrol Subaru Outback

1. Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer, 1.2% of tests (2.32x the national rate for this defect)
2. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 1.8% of tests (1.95x the national rate for this defect)
3. Exhaust system leaking or insecure, 1.7% of tests (1.69x the national rate for this defect)
4. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 3.5% of tests (1.63x the national rate for this defect)
5. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 7.6% of tests (1.51x the national rate for this defect)
6. A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 2% of tests (1.31x the national rate for this defect)
7. A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 2.6% of tests (1.18x the national rate for this defect)
8. Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 1.6% of tests (1.18x the national rate for this defect)
9. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, 2.6% of tests
10. A tyre seriously damaged, 2.6% of tests

From 4,731 DVSA-tracked petrol Subaru Outback tests, 2024, split out from the Subaru Outback's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 3.9% of these flagged defects as "dangerous", against 5.11% nationally. See which fuel type fails on the most dangerous defects nationally for how that compares across the whole fleet.

Most common MOT advisories on a petrol Subaru Outback

Flagged but doesn't fail the car, a different list from the failures above.

1. A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded, 2.8% of tests (2.17x the national rate for this defect)
2. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 28.9% of tests (2.16x the national rate for this defect), also fails
3. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 2.9% of tests (1.91x the national rate for this defect), also fails
4. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 2.3% of tests (1.87x the national rate for this defect)
5. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded, 8.9% of tests (1.73x the national rate for this defect)
6. Exhaust system leaking or insecure, 4.6% of tests (1.63x the national rate for this defect), also fails
7. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 14% of tests (1.49x the national rate for this defect), also fails
8. Number plate inscription missing or illegible, 3.4% of tests (1.28x the national rate for this defect)
9. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 7.5% of tests (1.2x the national rate for this defect)
10. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 23.8% of tests

From 4,731 DVSA-tracked petrol Subaru Outback tests, 2024.

Other Subaru Outback fuel types

• Diesel Subaru Outback - 78.4%

All Subaru Outback MOT data · Every model