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Subaru Forester reliability

The Subaru Forester fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 39.1% of 8,813 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
12.9% failed their MOT
About average
From 1,639 MOT tests of Subaru Foresters this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 38% more oftenWipers2.9% vs 2.1%
Fails 7× as oftenSuspension arms2.1% vs 0.3%
Advised 7× as oftenSuspension arms6.5% vs 1%
6 to 10 years old
23.1% failed their MOT
About average
From 5,049 MOT tests of Subaru Foresters this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 3× as oftenSuspension arms7.2% vs 2.3%
Fails 2× as oftenSprings5% vs 2.4%Fix about £150
Fails 5× as oftenWheel bearings1% vs 0.2%
Advised 3× as oftenSuspension arms16.2% vs 5.3%
Over 10 years old
39.1% failed their MOT
About average
From 8,813 MOT tests of Subaru Foresters this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 82% more oftenExhaust emissions9.3% vs 5.1%Fix about £150
Fails 45% more oftenAnti-roll bars6.1% vs 4.2%
Fails 3× as oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas4.4% vs 1.4%
Fails 81% more oftenExhaust system3.8% vs 2.1%Fix about £150
Advised 50% more oftenSuspension arms18.2% vs 12.1%
Advised 2× as oftenAnti-roll bars14.1% vs 6%
Advised 79% more oftenExhaust system9.5% vs 5.3%Fix about £150
Advised 2× as oftenSub-frames8.3% vs 4.2%
Safety recalls

12 DVSA recalls for the Subaru Forester

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2022/26619 Sept 2022Built 2020–2021The impeller deformation may cause the fuel pump to become inoperative

The fuel pump impeller may cause the pump failure resulting in stalling of the vehicle.

Fix: Replace the fuel pump assembly.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 99 vehicles

R/2021/3531 Nov 2021Built 2016–2019Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition

Ignition coils may short circuit and fail.�

Fix: Replace all ignition coils. If a misfire DTC is stored replace the front exhaust pipe.�

Recalled models: FORESTER · 2,338 vehicles

R/2021/3521 Nov 2021Built 2017–2019The bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose

The bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket might become loose.�

Fix: Inspect the bolts and tighten them to the�specified��torque.�If the bolt(s) are missing new bolts will be�attached.�

Recalled models: FORESTER · 1,949 vehicles

R/2020/31615 Nov 2020Built 2016–2019Due to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off

Possible engine stall and restart failure.

Fix: Re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 2,338 vehicles

R/2019/1068 Apr 2019Built 2010–2016Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure

The vehicle�s brake lights may not operate properly.

Fix: The brake light switch will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 6,975 vehicles

R/2019/0251 Mar 2019Built 2013–2014The load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture

Engine valve springs may fracture.

Fix: Replace all engine valve springs.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 812 vehicles

R/2018/3331 Jan 2019Built 2013–2014Clutch pipe may contact bulkhead wiring and potentially cause the engine to cut out

Clutch pipe may contact and damage the bulkhead wiring.

Fix: Check and replace clutch pipe and wiring replace as necessary.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 1,146 vehicles

R/2018/14123 Jul 2018Front passenger airbag inflator may rupture in a deployment event

Potential injury if Airbag deployed

Fix: On Affected vehicles replace Airbag inflator unit

Recalled models: FORESTER · 7,589 vehicles

R/2016/1471 Aug 2016Engine may stall

The crack on air intake ducts could cause the engine rough idle lower the power and the engine stall. Engine may stall whilst driving. Possible safety hazard whilst driving in traffic

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check date on air intake duct. Depending on finds the air intake ducts may have to be replaced.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 255 vehicles

R/2014/12730 Nov 2014Built 2009–2012Brake fluid may leak

It is possible that corrosion can form on unprotected hidden brake pipes. This could result in the failure of the pipes and loss of brake fluid which can affect the brake system and ultimately cause reduced braking efficiency.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect and if required replace the subject brake pipes.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 21,343 vehicles

R/2013/11710 Jan 2014Engine may cut out

It is possible that the main engine wiring harness may have been incorrectly routed within the engine bay. This can allow the harness to chaff on the engine inlet manifold. This can result in damage to the harness which will either cause rough running of the engine illumination of the engine management light or in the extreme cases cause the engine to cut out.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the routing of the harness and if necessary reroute and repair the harness.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 80 vehicles

R/2011/14615 Jan 2012Built 2003–2008Lower control arms may fail

The front Transverse links (lower Control Arms) may corrode leading to possible breakage if left without treatment.

Fix: Either additional rust proofing or replacement of the Transverse links will be performed according to the degree of corrosion.

Recalled models: FORESTER · 22,928 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Subaru Forester before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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