Subaru Outback reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Subaru Outback is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 121 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 147 of 442, and 25.6% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (3.8% of tests).
Ranked 147 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 7,326 Subaru Outbacks aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 25.6% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Subaru Outback is 17% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.8% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
25.6%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.8%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,000
Typical age at test: 9 years
Subaru Outback MOT failure rate by age
Most common Subaru Outback MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working3.8% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.0% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.4% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working2.1% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1% of tests
What the Subaru Outback fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.9% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Suspension | 8.9% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Brakes | 6.9% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Tyres | 4.3% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 4.1% | 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 3.7% | About average |
| Visibility | 3.6% | ▼ 27% less often |
| Steering | 0.5% | ▼ 80% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 84% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 61% less often |
What MPG does the Subaru Outback do?
Official economy for the Subaru Outback ranges from 28.2 to 50.4mpg across the 48 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2025). A typical petrol version manages 33.6mpg and a typical diesel 47.8mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Subaru Outback?
Any Subaru Outback first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Subaru Outback registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSubaru Outback specs and running costs
Official figures for 48 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
28.2–50.4 mpg
CO2
145–232 g/km
Power
168–175 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Field168 PS · CVT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 33 mpg | 193g | £200 | 37% |
| Outback Limited168 PS · CVT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 33 mpg | 193g | £200 | 37% |
| Outback Touring168 PS · CVT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 33 mpg | 193g | £200 | 37% |
| Outback AWD SE175 PS · CVT · listed 2021 | Petrol | 33 mpg | 193g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD SE Premium175 PS · CVT · listed 2021 | Petrol | 33 mpg | 193g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD WLTP SE175 PS · CVT · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
| Outback AWD WLTP SE Premium175 PS · CVT · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D SE6MT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 145g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D SE Premium6MT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 145g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D SE LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D SE Premium LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 159g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2015 MY 2.5i SE LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 40.4 mpg | 161g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2015 MY 2.5i SE Premium LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 40.4 mpg | 161g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2018MY 2.5i SE PremiumCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 38.7 mpg | 166g | £200 | – |
| Outback AWD, From 2018MY SECVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 38.7 mpg | 203g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 48 versions.
What a Subaru Outback costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 33.6mpg…
- diesel, typical official 47.8mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Subaru OutbackBuying a used Subaru Outback?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Subaru models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Subaru Outback is 17% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 121 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Subaru Outback?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 3.8% of tests.
›What MPG does the Subaru Outback do?
Official economy for the Subaru Outback ranges from 28.2 to 50.4mpg across the 48 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2025). A typical petrol version manages 33.6mpg and a typical diesel 47.8mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Subaru Outback?
Any Subaru Outback first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Subaru Outback registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £760 a year.
›How many Subaru Outbacks fail their MOT?
25.6% of Subaru Outbacks aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.8% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Subaru Outback combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.