SUBARU FORESTER (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 73 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
73
Avg Mileage
55,047 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 2021 SUBARU FORESTER reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 3 years old, 88% of SUBARU FORESTERs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 73 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 55,047 miles.
How does the 2021 SUBARU FORESTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 SUBARU FORESTER has 55,047 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Best year to buy a SUBARU FORESTER?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2021 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2021 SUBARU FORESTER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUBARU FORESTER by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific SUBARU FORESTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 SUBARU FORESTER
The 2021 SUBARU FORESTER is a family car with a 1995cc petrol engine. 73 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 86% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 55,047 miles at 3 years old, SUBARU FORESTER owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 SUBARU FORESTER Fuel Costs
The 1995cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 SUBARU FORESTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUBARU FORESTER Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU FORESTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 SUBARU FORESTER
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 73 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2021 SUBARU FORESTER
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (+4%) from 89,653 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (+5%) from 52,321 tests
- MINI COOPER (2019) 92% pass rate (+4%) from 52,140 tests
- HYUNDAI TUCSON (2019) 90% pass rate (+2%) from 42,920 tests