2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

249 MOT tests in 2024. 62.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time62.3%
Failed or needed repairs37.7%
Typical mileage at test124,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 249 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.6%
  3. Stop lamp: not working3.2%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened2.8%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
    6 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4%
  8. Washers: not working2.4%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.4%
  10. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension22.5%
  2. Lights & electrics18.9%
  3. Brakes18.9%
  4. Body & chassis12.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.4%
  7. Tyres2.4%
  8. Steering1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.4%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.6%

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 2002 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 62.3% of 2002 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 249 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Subaru Forester?

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

Is the 2002 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).