2006 Subaru Forester: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Subaru Forester?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Subaru Forester than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.3× usual
  Subaru Forester

  10.1% All 2006 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Subaru Forester

  9.8% All 2006 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Engine warning light2.6× usual
  Subaru Forester

  6.9% All 2006 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.7% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At 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× usual
  Subaru Forester

  4.3% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.1× usual
  Subaru Forester

  4.7% All 2006 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2006 Subaru Forester MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Subaru Forester MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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 electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  29% 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.

• Tyres
  25% 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 emissions
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Subaru Forester

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Subaru Forester as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Subaru Forester as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2006 Subaru Forester as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?