2006 Subaru Outback · 1,585 MOT tests
2006 Subaru Outback reliability
2006 Subaru Outbacks fail 42.1% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 12 Outback years (1,585 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Outbacks: 25.8%)
- 42.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Outbacks: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- 126,072
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,585
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: about average for its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 11.6% of tests fail here (61% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 45% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Subaru Outback
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.8%
- Suspension18%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11.6%
- Brakes10.6%
- Body, chassis and structure9.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Tyres4.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.62%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.61%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 4.54%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.85%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.6%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 3.41%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (20.32%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.81%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.34%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (9.34%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.21%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (9.02%)
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 2006 Subaru Outback reliable?
2006 Subaru Outbacks fail 42.1% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 12 Outback years (1,585 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Subaru Outback MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.62% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.61% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Subaru Outback have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2006 Subaru Outback shows 126,072 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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