Subaru Outback (2017)
2017 Subaru Outback
CarHunch analysed 493 real MOT records for the 2017 Subaru Outback.
Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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Moderate sample. 493 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.
The 2017 Subaru Outback is noticeably more reliable than average, with a 90.8% first-time MOT pass rate against the UK benchmark of 80%, and petrol variants perform fractionally better at 91.2% compared to diesel at 90%. However, nearly one in five vehicles (19.1%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a legitimate buyer concern worth investigating on any used example.
These Outbacks are running relatively light for their age—median mileage sits at just under 45,000 miles—suggesting many are well-maintained leisure vehicles rather than hard-driven commuters. The average vehicle racks up 0.67 failures and 5 advisories per test cycle, pointing to minor wear issues rather than structural problems, so budget for routine maintenance but don't expect major surprises. Before committing to purchase, request the full MOT history and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle's previous defect records, particularly any logged safety items.
The 2017 Subaru Outback passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (91%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.
These stats describe 493 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.
What tends to go wrong
Across 493 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017.
See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches
Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 493 Subaru Outback cars.
Before you buy a 2017 Subaru Outback
Based on MOT data from 493 vehicles — here's what to check.
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Check the full MOT history.
19.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded -
recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle. -
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Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price.
Inspection
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Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically.
History
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (66%) | 324 | 91.5% | 0.61 |
| Diesel (34%) | 169 | 90% | 0.78 |
Colour Breakdown
Based on 10,985 Subaru Outback vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2017 Subaru Outback vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2017 Subaru Outback vehicles fall between 32,961 and 57,954 miles.
2017 Subaru Outback — Still on the Road
Almost all 2017 Subaru Outbacks are still on the road.
Strong survival — 454 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.
MOT History Averages
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Compare with another model
See how the 2017 Subaru Outback stacks up against a rival.