2015 Subaru Outback 2.0L Diesel · DN15 GKF

The car failed its most recent MOT on 2026-05-22 at 143,693 miles due to a damaged nearside front anti-roll bar linkage dust cover — a failure under category 5.3.4(b)(ii), meaning dirt ingress is now likely compromising the ball joint. This follows a clear and worsening pattern of suspension deterioration. In 2025, both front anti-roll bar ball joints showed slight play (5.3.4(a)(i)), and multiple rear suspension components were flagged: corroded coil springs both sides, corroded rear top arms, and ply damage to rear lower arm bushes. None of these were noted in 2024 — suggesting rapid degradation over the last two years. The trend is clearly worsening. The 2024 MOT was clean; by 2025, multiple suspension items were borderline; and in 2026, one critical item failed outright. Corrosion and wear are accelerating — especially in rear springs and front linkage — pointing to cumulative stress and possibly exposure to salt or poor maintenance. At 143,693 miles and 11 years old, annual average mileage is ~13,063 — above typical UK usage. This supports the observed wear but doesn’t imply abuse outright. High mileage explains the suspension fatigue, yet the corrosion suggests environmental exposure (e.g., winter roads) rather than just distance.