2011 Subaru Outback diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Subaru Outback diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Subaru Outback diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Subaru Outback

  24.1% All 2011 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

• Sidelights2.5× usual
  Subaru Outback

  13.4% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.8%, against 4.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints13.3× usual
  Subaru Outback

  8% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.1% of all 2011 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4× usual
  Subaru Outback

  8.7% All 2011 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Engine warning light4× usual
  Subaru Outback

  7.2% All 2011 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 1.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2011 Subaru Outback diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Subaru Outback diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  37% 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.

• Steering
  10% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% 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 2011 Subaru Outback diesel

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 2.5× as often on the 2011 Subaru Outback diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Subaru Outback diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 13.3× as often on the 2011 Subaru Outback diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?