2017 Subaru Outback diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Subaru Outback first registered in 2017 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 488 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 488 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2017 Subaru Outback diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2017 Subaru Outback diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Suspension11% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% 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 2017 Subaru Outback diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Subaru Outback?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Subaru Outback compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 612 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 1,192 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 740 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 1,746 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 1,931 | Tyres 22% |
| 2016 | 2,242 | Tyres 23% |
| 2015 | 2,297 | Tyres 24% |
| 2014 | 654 | Suspension 31% |
| 2013 | 787 | Suspension 40% |
| 2012 | 884 | Suspension 44% |
| 2011 | 1,465 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 1,329 | Suspension 47% |
| 2009 | 915 | Suspension 53% |
| 2008 | 634 | Suspension 51% |
| 2007 | 1,096 | Suspension 56% |
| 2006 | 1,190 | Suspension 56% |
| 2005 | 798 | Suspension 57% |
| 2004 | 590 | Suspension 57% |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Subaru Outback cars first registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score