2007 Subaru Forester: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2007 Subaru Foresters, from 766 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2007 Subaru Foresters than on all cars registered in 2007.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usualSubaru Forester10.6% All 2007 cars4.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.4× usualSubaru Forester10.1% All 2007 cars4.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Engine warning light2.3× usualSubaru Forester6% All 2007 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.6% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.6× usualSubaru Forester4% All 2007 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
Engine oil leaks: 3.4% here, against 13.5% of all 2007 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 3.5% here, against 7.3% of all 2007 cars.
By area
The share of 2007 Subaru Forester MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes30% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres24% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Rust and bodywork13% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 738 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 1,103 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 921 | Suspension 23% |
| 2017 | 899 | Suspension 29% |
| 2016 | 1,180 | Suspension 33% |
| 2015 | 982 | Suspension 36% |
| 2014 | 1,125 | Suspension 41% |
| 2013 | 738 | Suspension 45% |
| 2011 | 773 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 683 | Suspension 59% |
| 2008 | 515 | Suspension 54% |
| 2006 | 805 | Suspension 45% |
| 2005 | 854 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 702 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 503 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2007 Subaru Foresters registered in 2007. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score