2020 · 4 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2020 Subaru Forester MOT pass rate and common faults

249 MOT tests in 2024. 86.8% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time86.8%
Failed or needed repairs13.2%
Typical mileage at test32,000

Most common reasons for failing

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

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  2. Headlamp aim: too low2.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    8 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%
  6. Headlamp cleaning device: for LED or HID headlamp inoperative0.8%
  7. Stop lamp: not working0.8%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%
    2 marked dangerous
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.4%
    3 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.0%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  3. Tyres5.2%
  4. Brakes1.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  6. Steering0.4%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2020 Subaru Forester?

In 2024, 86.8% of 2020 Subaru Forester cars passed their MOT first time, across 249 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Subaru Forester?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; headlamp aim: too low; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable at MOT time?

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