2002 Subaru Forester · 1,018 MOT tests
2002 Subaru Forester reliability
2002 Subaru Foresters fail 37.7% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 18 Forester years (1,018 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Foresters: 29.5%)
- 37.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Foresters: 29.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 124,596
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,018
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 10.1% of tests fail here (30% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Subaru Forester
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.8%
- Lights and electrics16.6%
- Body, chassis and structure12.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.5%
- Brakes7.7%
- Seat belts and airbags3.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.5%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.72%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 4.42%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.93%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.83%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 3.73%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.69%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (11.2%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (10.51%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.53%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.96%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.76%)
Other years
Every Subaru Forester year
The full picture: Subaru Forester reliability. Before you pay for any Subaru Forester, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2002 Subaru Forester reliable?
2002 Subaru Foresters fail 37.7% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 18 Forester years (1,018 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Subaru Forester MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.5% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.72% of tests), position lamp not working (4.42% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Subaru Forester have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Subaru Forester shows 124,596 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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