2013 Subaru Forester: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Subaru Forester?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Subaru Forester than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.9× usual
  Subaru Forester

  22.3% All 2013 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Subaru Forester

  11.7% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints12.5× usual
  Subaru Forester

  5% All 2013 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Wheel bearings3.1× usual
  Subaru Forester

  3.7% All 2013 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2013 Subaru Forester MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Subaru Forester MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  3% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2013 Subaru Forester as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2013 Subaru Forester as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 12.5× as often on the 2013 Subaru Forester as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?