2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

572 MOT tests in 2024. 60.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time60.0%
Failed or needed repairs40.0%
Typical mileage at test129,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 572 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.5%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.4%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.0%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.8%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.3%
  10. Washers: not working2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension29.9%
  2. Lights & electrics24.8%
  3. Emissions & leaks17.7%
  4. Brakes12.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.0%
  6. Body & chassis8.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.2%
  8. Tyres4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.2%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases13.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.4%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.4%

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 2003 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 60.0% of 2003 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 572 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Subaru Forester?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).