2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

889 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test121,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 889 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.9%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.7%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.6%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.1%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.5%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0%
    22 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.6%
  2. Suspension21.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.0%
  4. Brakes9.4%
  5. Body & chassis9.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.5%
  7. Tyres3.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.7%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2005 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 63.2% of 2005 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 889 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Subaru Forester?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).