2013 Subaru Forester diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Subaru Forester

  24.2% All 2013 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, 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 joint3.1× usual
  Subaru Forester

  14.1% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, 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 joints17× usual
  Subaru Forester

  6.8% All 2013 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Subaru Forester

  8% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings2.9× usual
  Subaru Forester

  3.5% All 2013 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, 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 diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  45% 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
  30% 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
  27% 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
  22% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Subaru Forester diesel

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 3.1× as often on the 2013 Subaru Forester diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2013 Subaru Forester diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 17× as often on the 2013 Subaru Forester diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?