MOT History from tests of petrol SUBARU OUTBACKs year 2003

Review the list of common SUBARU OUTBACK failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your SUBARU then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:66.11%

(The average a petrol SUBARU OUTBACK year 2003 passes without issue)

Based on:1,384 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Registration plate lamp issues	85
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	47
Headlamp aim out of alignment	43
Brake pipe excessively corroded	32
Registration plate issues	27
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	25
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	17
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	16
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	15
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	15
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	10
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	9
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	8
Windscreen has damage	8
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|c\|\|	7
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	7
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	7
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))	6
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	5
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	5
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	4
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	4
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	4
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	4
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	4
Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))	4
Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	3
Offside Front Wheel nut\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	3
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction \|8.2.1.2 \|h\|\|	3
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	3
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	3
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	3
Nearside Stop lamp\|s\| not working \|4.3.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	3
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	3
Nearside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc \|2.5.C.1a\|	3
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	3
Nearside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	3
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	3
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))	3
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))	3
Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	3
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))	3
Rear fog lamp switch missing \|1.3.1a\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	2
Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Front Valve stem seriously damaged \|4.1.D.1e\|	2
Offside Front Valve stem seriously damaged \|4.1.D.1e\|	2
Windscreen washer not working	2
Nearside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Offside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Stop lamp\|s\| not working \|4.3.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	2
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	2
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	2
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|6.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Electronic stability system warning lamp indicates a fault \|3.4.1c\|	2
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	2
Offside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing \|5.2.2a\|	2
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Nearside Rear Outer Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Outer Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer`s specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer`s specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	2
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	2
Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	2
Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	2
Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))	2
Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Most common failures	No# failures
Registration plate lamp issues	85
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	47
Headlamp aim out of alignment	43
Brake pipe excessively corroded	32
Registration plate issues	27
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	25
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	17
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	16
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	15
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	15
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	10
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	9
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	8
Windscreen has damage	8
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|c\|\|	7
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	7
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	7
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))	6
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	5
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	5
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	4
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	4
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	4
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	4
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	4
Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))	4
Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	3
Offside Front Wheel nut\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	3
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction \|8.2.1.2 \|h\|\|	3
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	3
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	3
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	3
Nearside Stop lamp\|s\| not working \|4.3.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	3
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	3
Nearside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc \|2.5.C.1a\|	3
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	3
Nearside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	3
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	3
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))	3
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))	3
Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	3
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))	3
Rear fog lamp switch missing \|1.3.1a\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	2
Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Front Valve stem seriously damaged \|4.1.D.1e\|	2
Offside Front Valve stem seriously damaged \|4.1.D.1e\|	2
Windscreen washer not working	2
Nearside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Offside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Stop lamp\|s\| not working \|4.3.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	2
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	2
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	2
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|6.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Electronic stability system warning lamp indicates a fault \|3.4.1c\|	2
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	2
Offside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing \|5.2.2a\|	2
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Nearside Rear Outer Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Outer Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer`s specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer`s specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	2
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	2
Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	2
Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	2
Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))	2
Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2

MOT History from tests of petrol SUBARU OUTBACKs year 2003

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