2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

841 MOT tests in 2024. 61.5% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time61.5%
Failed or needed repairs38.5%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 841 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working6.3%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction6.2%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.2%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.8%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.1%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    20 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics30.1%
  2. Suspension23.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.5%
  4. Brakes11.7%
  5. Body & chassis9.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.6%
  7. Tyres3.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.3%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2006 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 61.5% of 2006 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 841 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Subaru Forester?

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

Is the 2006 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).