2021 Subaru Outback 2.5L Petrol · GR11 FFA

The Subaru Outback presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT on 22 May 2026 at 101,686 miles passed, but the tester flagged all four tyres worn close to the legal limit or worn on edge, with both rear tyres also showing cracking or perishing. This is a notable cluster of advisories for a single test. The trend is not clearly worsening or resolving, as the 2025 test only flagged rear brake pads wearing thin, and the 2024 test at 68,164 miles was entirely clean. The jump from a defect-free test to four tyres flagged in one year suggests either a period of neglect or a sudden increase in use that has accelerated wear on consumables. The mileage accumulation is high for a 2021 vehicle, averaging roughly 20,337 miles per year. Between the June 2024 test at 68,164 miles and the May 2025 test at 92,673 miles, the car covered approximately 24,500 miles in under twelve months. That is a sharp increase compared to the earlier period and indicates sustained high use, likely motorway or long-distance driving. Such mileage places greater demand on suspension bushes, brake discs, drivetrain components, and exhaust systems, all of which should be inspected for fatigue or excessive wear. The rear brake pad advisory in May 2025 at 92,673 miles was not repeated in the 2026 test, which may indicate the pads were replaced. However, the condition of the rear discs and calipers should still be checked for uneven wear or binding, as high-mileage use can accelerate deterioration. The 2026 tyre advisories are the most pressing concern. Edge wear on all four tyres points to possible misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or damaged tracking geometry. A buyer should inspect the inner and outer sidewalls closely, check for uneven tread patterns, and verify the condition of the suspension arms, drop links, and anti-roll bar links. Cracking or perishing on the rear tyres also raises the question of age-related degradation, so confirming the tyre manufacture dates is advisable. Beyond the flagged items, the high annual mileage warrants a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around the sills, subframes, and exhaust mounting points. The exhaust system should be examined for leaks or deterioration, and the condition of the coil springs and dampers should be assessed for sagging or oil misting. While the MOT record shows no structural or safety-critical failures, the combination of rapid mileage growth and multiple tyre defects in the latest test suggests this vehicle has been worked hard and may need attention to its running gear sooner rather than later.