2005 Subaru Outback · 1,054 MOT tests
2005 Subaru Outback reliability
2005 Subaru Outbacks fail 45% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 12 Outback years (1,054 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Outbacks: 25.8%)
- 45%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Outbacks: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 128,308
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,054
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- 2006 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 21.8% of tests fail here (17% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Subaru Outback
Fail rate by area
- Suspension21.8%
- Lights and electrics20.1%
- Brakes13.5%
- Body, chassis and structure11.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.9%
- Tyres5.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 4.84%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.46%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.27%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.17%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Position lamp not working 4.08%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.7%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (19.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.84%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (11.29%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (9.68%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.01%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.54%)
Other years
Every Subaru Outback year
The full picture: Subaru Outback reliability. Before you pay for any Subaru Outback, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2005 Subaru Outback reliable?
2005 Subaru Outbacks fail 45% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 12 Outback years (1,054 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Subaru Outback MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (4.84% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.46% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.27% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Subaru Outback have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Subaru Outback shows 128,308 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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