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Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) (2003-2007) reliability

At a glance

Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) built around 2005: about average at the MOT

Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) models built around 2005 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

30% of MOT tests on Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) models built around 2005 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) models built around 2005 involves the suspension.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2003-2007SUVPETROL

Based on 4,698 tests of Forester models registered 2003-2007.

About 1 in 8 Forester Mk2 (SG) MOTs (12%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2005 (20 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,091 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Forester Mk2 (SG) MOTs (5.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2005 (20 years old).

Based on 1,091 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (SG) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
44826.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,04030.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,05628.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,09130.3%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
72429.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
33930.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

How the Forester Mk2 (SG) compares

At each age below, see how the Forester Mk2 (SG) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,161 tests across 4 Subaru models, built around 2005 (20 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
44826.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,04030.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,05628.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,09130.3%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
72429.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
33930.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Forester Mk2 (SG).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.2%

    Lower fail rate: 25.2%, against 30.3% for the Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG), both built around 2005.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,178 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  2. 2

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.7%
    Dangerous
    4.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 23.4%, against 30.3% for the Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG), both built around 2005.

    1,357 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  3. 3

    Toyota Land Cruiser

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.1%

    Lower fail rate: 27.1%, against 30.3% for the Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG), both built around 2005.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,268 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  4. 4

    Toyota RAV4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.2%

    Lower fail rate: 28.1%, against 30.3% for the Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG), both built around 2005.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,952 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

96%of all Subaru Forester cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

12 recalls in all

1 of the 12 Forester Mk2 (SG) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Lower control arms may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Forester Mk2 (SG) cars built around 2005

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 210 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
65%
Emissions
50%
Bodywork
17%
Drivetrain
8%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Lighting
59%
Brakes
40%
Tyres
39%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 38% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Forester Mk2 (SG) cars have aged

How Forester Mk2 (SG) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (844 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (771 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (695 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (602 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (529 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (902 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (830 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (756 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (617 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (542 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (1,128 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (946 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (821 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (675 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (601 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (887 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (693 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (645 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (530 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (404 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (719 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (599 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (474 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (419 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (339 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
How each part holds up as Mk2 (SG) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (SG) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension56%48%65%65%
Brakes38%38%38%40%
Emissions40%49%41%50%
Tyres34%35%35%39%
Lighting54%57%54%59%
Drivetrain6%5%5%8%
Bodywork4%9%9%17%
Steering4%6%4%2%
Corrosion30%24%31%38%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 50 to 210 cars at each age.

Mk2 (SG) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Subaru Foresters of this age

This list covers every Subaru Forester built around 2005, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (SG) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    22.8%
    Advisory: 367Fail: 46 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    17.8%
    Advisory: 303Fail: 46 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    15.6%
    Advisory: 257Fail: 16 (6% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    13.2%
    Advisory: 132Fail: 24 (15% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.7%
    Advisory: 164Fail: 16 (9% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,091 tests

Looking at a Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2005 (20 years old), the Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG) (2003-2007) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,091 20-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 4,698 MOT tests on Subaru Foresters first registered between 2003-2007. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.