2021 · 3 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2021 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

733 MOT tests in 2024. 93.2% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time93.2%
Failed or needed repairs6.8%
Typical mileage at test25,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 733 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
  2. Headlamp aim: too low1.2%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
    10 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.4%
    3 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    3 marked dangerous
  7. Seat belts - condition: buckle not functioning as intended0.3%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.3%
  9. Side repeaters: not working0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres3.4%
  2. Lights & electrics2.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.2%
  4. Brakes0.5%
  5. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  7. Suspension0.4%
  8. Body & chassis0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.3%
  4. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm2.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 ForesterAll Forester years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 93.2% of 2021 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 733 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Subaru Forester?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; headlamp aim: too low; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).