2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

200 MOT tests in 2024. 61.0% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time61.0%
Failed or needed repairs39.0%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 200 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.5%
  2. Stop lamp: not working6.0%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  6. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.5%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  8. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension26.0%
  2. Lights & electrics24.5%
  3. Brakes15.0%
  4. Body & chassis14.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.0%
  7. Steering3.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.0%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases15.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 61.0% of 2001 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 200 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Subaru Forester?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; stop lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2001 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).