Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common problems
75.6% of 21,198 Subaru Forester MOT tests pass.
The Forester passes 75.6% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Subaru models (80.9%).
At 75.6%, the Subaru Forester passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Subaru Forester?
This is the average across every Subaru Forester in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Subaru’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Subaru Forester tested at 0–3 years pass 91.1% of the time, compared with just 70.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 91.1% | 45 | 39,119 miles |
| 3–6 years | 90.3% | 2,093 | 45,567 miles |
| 6–10 years | 81.9% | 5,850 | 68,489 miles |
| 10–15 years | 71.1% | 4,702 | 101,873 miles |
| 15+ years | 70.1% | 8,508 | 118,875 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Subaru Forester
The most common reason the Subaru Forester fails its MOT is suspension — present in 70.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 70.8% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 53.3% | Not working |
| Brakes | 29.2% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 20.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 16.2% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 15.2% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Tyres | 12.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.5% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 3.2% | Gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.1% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Subaru Forester: what to check
These checks follow the Subaru Forester’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Subaru Forester comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 81.9% to 71.1%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 86.3% down to 77.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 70.8% of failed Subaru Forester MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 27.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 53.3% of failed Subaru Forester MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 29.2% of failed Subaru Forester MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 12.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 20.7% of failed Subaru Forester MOTs.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 16.2% of failed Subaru Forester MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Subaru service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Subaru models
- Subaru Impreza — 82.1% pass rate
- Subaru Outback — 81.2% pass rate
- Subaru XV — 85.1% pass rate
- Subaru Legacy — 71.2% pass rate
- Subaru WRX — 93.1% pass rate
- Subaru Forester I Xe PRM Ebxr — 95.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Subaru Forester?
- 75.6% of Subaru Forester MOT tests pass, based on 21,198 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Subaru Forester?
- The most common reason the Subaru Forester fails its MOT is suspension — present in 70.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Subaru Forester?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Subaru Forester are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 27.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Subaru Forester?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; exhaust, emissions and leaks; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Subaru Forester's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Subaru service history guide for how to check and keep one.