Subaru Forester

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 25 model years from 25,722 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests

25,722

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (92%)

Years Covered

About the Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester was MOT tested 25,722 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 25 model years (1997 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 968 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. With a 21 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Subaru Foresters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 134,428 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 55,047 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Subaru brand average of 83%, the Forester is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Subaru models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1995cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,236

Per month£186/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Subaru Forester?

vs average of all models-4% (82% avg)

vs Subaru brand average-5% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread21 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Subaru Forester by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	88%	73	55,047 mi
2020	89%	117	56,363 mi
2019	92%	968	40,774 mi
2018	90%	1,617	49,495 mi
2017	88%	1,501	59,999 mi
2016	84%	2,034	68,939 mi
2015	83%	1,719	75,172 mi
2014	81%	2,046	85,284 mi
2013	78%	1,244	95,454 mi
2012	75%	518	104,981 mi
2011	78%	1,406	110,401 mi
2010	73%	1,393	109,597 mi
2009	72%	837	108,694 mi
2008	80%	905	108,470 mi
2007	75%	1,559	109,753 mi
2006	75%	1,646	117,944 mi
2005	74%	1,750	122,626 mi
2004	75%	1,456	125,021 mi
2003	71%	1,132	133,554 mi
2002	76%	465	125,771 mi
2001	72%	391	122,762 mi
2000	72%	315	124,647 mi
1999	77%	344	125,516 mi
1998	74%	242	118,976 mi
1997	64%	44	134,428 mi

Questions about the Subaru Forester

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

Across its 25 model years in our data (1997 to 2021), the Subaru Forester averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 25,722 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year Subaru Forester has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%, a 21 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.