Based on 925 MOT tests from 68 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®. The figures below describe that VehicleScore® sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are not a claim that every SUBARU FORESTER has the same fault.
SUBARU FORESTER's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 563/999. The score was calculated from the average of every SUBARU FORESTER that has had a registered MOT.
We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.
Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the SUBARU FORESTER.
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| Fuel Type | Year | Reliability Score | Avg Mileage | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2015 | 776/999Very good | 86,721 miles | 505 vehicles |
| Petrol | 2003 | 497/999Average | 86,030 miles | 1,318 vehicles |
| Petrol | 2002 | 497/999Average | 85,717 miles | 1,068 vehicles |
| Petrol | 2000 | 483/999Average | 80,184 miles | 901 vehicles |
Based on 925 MOT tests from 68 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®.
Vehicles
68
MOT tests
925
Pass rate
77.6%
Median mileage
93,030 mi
Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every SUBARU FORESTER has the same fault. The median VehicleScore® in this sample is 647 out of 999.
These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 101 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.
What to inspect
Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 73 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.
What to inspect
Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 35 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.
What to inspect
Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 31 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.
What to inspect
Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 28 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.
What to inspect
Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM PIN OR BUSH WORN BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (5.3.4 (A) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 25 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.
What to inspect
Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.
Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT POSITION LAMP NOT WORKING (4.2.1 (A) (II))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 22 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.
What to inspect
Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.
Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT WINDSCREEN WIPER DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDSCREEN EFFECTIVELY (3.4 (B) (II))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 13 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.
What to inspect
Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.
Example MOT wording: FRONT REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))
A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore® has at least 5 vehicles from that year.
| Year | Vehicles | MOT tests | Pass rate | Recurring issues seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | 48 | 85.4% | Tyre wear, Suspension arm issues |
| 2015 | 5 | 53 | 81.1% | Brake disc wear, Suspension arm issues |
| 2014 | 9 | 111 | 81.1% | Tyre wear, Brake pad wear |
This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore® sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.
Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.
Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.
Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.
Common problems tell you what can affect SUBARU FORESTERs generally. VehicleScore® can check the history of the actual car you're considering.
VehicleScore® analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.