Subaru Forester
Registered from 1997 to 2021.
About this model
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
From the Wikipedia article Subaru Forester, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2005 2.0 petrol. 278 of 1,027 tests failed, 27%.
Better than 51% of 2005 cars. The typical one fails 27%, across 837 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 53% | 147 |
| Lights and electrics | 40% | 112 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 30% | 84 |
| Body and structure | 28% | 79 |
| Brakes | 21% | 58 |
| Visibility | 19% | 54 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
- Exhaust system leaking or insecure
- The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Suspension — 53% of its failures
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded
- Exhaust and emissions — 30% of its failures
- Exhaust system leaking or insecure
- Brakes — 21% of its failures
- Lights and electrics — 40% of its failures
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Body and structure — 28% of its failures
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded
- Visibility — 19% of its failures
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 200k+ miles this one fails 29% of its inspections, against the 30% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40–60k miles | 22% | 21% | 49 | |
| 60–80k miles | 20% | 26% | 82 | |
| 80–100k miles | 24% | 28% | 169 | |
| 100–120k miles | 29% | 29% | 192 | |
| 120–140k miles | 27% | 30% | 199 | |
| 140–160k miles | 31% | 30% | 140 | |
| 160–180k miles | 32% | 30% | 103 | |
| 180–200k miles | 29% | 30% | 42 | |
| 200k+ miles | 29% | 30% | 35 |
1,011 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 120k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.0 petrol · 148 hp · 1731 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 8.1 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 2.0 petrol · 148 hp · 1762 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 7.7 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 2.0 petrol · 1690 kg · 2640 mm wheelbase · 8.2 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2018 | 2.0 petrol · 1563 kg · 2640 mm wheelbase · 6.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2017 | 2.0 petrol · 237 hp · 1691 kg · 2640 mm wheelbase · 8.2 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 2.0 diesel · 146 hp · 1677 kg · 2640 mm wheelbase · 5.9 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2015 | 2.0 petrol · 166 hp · 1601 kg · 2640 mm wheelbase · 6.8 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 2.0 diesel · 148 hp · 1638 kg · 2626 mm wheelbase · 5.9 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2013 | 2.0 diesel · 1643 kg · 2640 mm wheelbase · 5.9 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 2.0 diesel · 145 hp · 1643 kg · 2616 mm wheelbase · 6.1 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2011 | 2.0 diesel · 145 hp · 1647 kg · 2580 mm wheelbase · 6.3 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2010 | 2.0 diesel · 1644 kg · 2615 mm wheelbase · 6.4 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00327/20
Due to improper Engine Control Module (ECM) programming, the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is switched off. If the ignition coil remains energized for a long time, its internal temperature may increase which could cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of electric shock and fire.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01148/20
An electrical connection that is part of the occupant detection system may become loose or unstable. As a result, the system will not be able to detect if the seat is occupied, and therefore may deactivate the airbag.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/1760/18
A defect in the gas generator of the front-seat passenger airbag leads to uncontrolled inflation. Metal fragments may be released when the airbag is activated, which can cause injury to passengers.
Recall of the product from end users