2003 Subaru Outback 2.5L Petrol · PJ53 VNO

Most recent MOT outcome The latest MOT on 12 December 2025 recorded a PASS at 97,645 miles, but it still noted surface corrosion, corroded rear‑suspension components and “perished” front wishbone rear bushes. Those items are advisory defects rather than outright failures, meaning the car was allowed on the road but the issues remain. Recurring mechanical pattern Across the three MOTs in the last two years a clear pattern emerges: Repeated, extensive corrosion of rear‑suspension mounting areas (both outer and inner, near‑ and off‑side). Excessive play in the off‑side rear wheel bearing, flagged as “likely to break up”. Exhaust system faults – a major leak and out‑of‑range lambda sensor readings – appearing in two consecutive failures. A one‑off headlamp aim problem (off‑side low) and deteriorated front wishbone rear bushes. These are all safety‑relevant items that can lead to loss of handling precision, increased braking distances, and possible exhaust‑gas ingress into the cabin. Trend analysis The MOT record shows a shift from clean passes in 2023 and early 2024 to multiple failures in late 2025, followed by a pass that still carries the same corrosion notes. The trend is therefore worsening rather than stable or improving. The appearance of new failures (exhaust leak, wheel‑bearing play) after a year of clean results suggests that underlying corrosion is accelerating and that components are reaching the end of their service life.