Subaru Forester reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Subaru Forester is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 113 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 190 of 442, and 28.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (3.9% of tests).
Ranked 190 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 14,796 Subaru Foresters aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 28.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Subaru Forester is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 7.6% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
28.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
7.6%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,100
Typical age at test: 10 years
Subaru Forester MOT failure rate by age
Most common Subaru Forester MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.9% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.6% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.0% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.9% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working2.6% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3% of tests
What the Subaru Forester fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13.2% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 11.8% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Brakes | 6.3% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.1% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 4.6% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Tyres | 3.5% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Body and structure | 3.4% | ▼ 26% less often |
| Steering | 0.8% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.7% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 49% less often |
What MPG does the Subaru Forester do?
Official economy for the Subaru Forester ranges from 25.7 to 49.6mpg across the 92 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 40.9mpg and a typical diesel 47.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Subaru Forester?
Any Subaru Forester first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Subaru Forester registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSubaru Forester specs and running costs
Official figures for 92 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
25.7–49.6 mpg
CO2
148–261 g/km
Power
110–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Touring136 PS · CVT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 34.9 mpg | 183g | £200 | 37% |
| Forester Field136 PS · CVT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 34.9 mpg | 183g | £200 | 37% |
| Forester Limited136 PS · CVT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 34.9 mpg | 183g | £200 | 37% |
| Forester e-BOXER Sport110 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 34.7 mpg | 185g | £200 | 37% |
| Forester e-BOXER XE110 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 34.7 mpg | 185g | £200 | 37% |
| Forester e-BOXER XE Premium110 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 34.7 mpg | 185g | £200 | 37% |
| Forester AWD Forester e-BOXER147 PS · CVT · listed 2021 | Hybrid | 34.7 mpg | 185g | £200 | – |
| Forester AWD Forester147 PS · CVT · listed 2021 | Petrol | 32.2 mpg | 199g | £200 | – |
| Forester from 2020MY Forester e-BOXER147 PS · CVT · listed 2019 | Hybrid | – | – | – | – |
| Forester AWD MY2019 Forester150 PS · CVT · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
| Forester AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D XC Premium LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 158g | £200 | – |
| Forester AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D X6MT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 148g | £200 | – |
| Forester AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D XC LineartronicCVT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 158g | £200 | – |
| Forester AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D XC6MT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 148g | £200 | – |
| Forester AWD, From 2015 MY 2.0D XC Premium6MT · listed 2018 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 148g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 92 versions.
What a Subaru Forester costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 40.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 47.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Subaru ForesterBuying a used Subaru Forester?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Subaru models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Subaru Forester is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 113 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Subaru Forester?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 3.9% of tests.
›What MPG does the Subaru Forester do?
Official economy for the Subaru Forester ranges from 25.7 to 49.6mpg across the 92 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 40.9mpg and a typical diesel 47.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Subaru Forester?
Any Subaru Forester first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Subaru Forester registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
›How many Subaru Foresters fail their MOT?
28.8% of Subaru Foresters aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 7.6% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Subaru Forester combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.