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Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) (2008-2012) reliability

At a glance

Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) built around 2012: about average at the MOT

Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) models built around 2012 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) right now?

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

Key figure

29% of MOT tests on Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) models built around 2012 involves the suspension.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2008-2012SUVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 3,743 tests of Forester models registered 2008-2012.

About 1 in 15 Forester Mk3 (SH) MOTs (6.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 836 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.1% and 8.5%. 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 Mk3 (SH) MOTs (5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 836 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.7% and 6.7%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (SH) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
16826.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
83628.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,10329.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
70531.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
52129.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
41028.5%

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 15 years old.

How the Forester Mk3 (SH) compares

At each age below, see how the Forester Mk3 (SH) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 2,475 tests across 6 Subaru models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
16826.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
83628.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,10329.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
70531.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
52129.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
41028.5%

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.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

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 Mk3 (SH).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 28.7% for the Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH), both built around 2012.

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

    1,819 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Mini (R60)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23%

    Lower fail rate: 23.0%, against 28.7% for the Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH), both built around 2012.

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

    7,400 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Audi Q7

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    6.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.6%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 28.7% for the Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH), both built around 2012.

    2,062 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.1%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.0%, against 28.7% for the Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH), both built around 2012.

    1,755 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

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

3 of the 12 Forester Mk3 (SH) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure
  • Brake fluid may leak
  • Lower control arms may fail

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

How Forester Mk3 (SH) cars have aged

How Forester Mk3 (SH) 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%911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (406 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (421 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (410 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (415 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (377 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (808 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (753 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (744 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (735 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (627 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (698 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (663 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (621 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (545 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (468 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (492 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (461 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (403 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (324 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (276 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (544 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (518 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (494 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (438 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (410 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk3 (SH) variants compared

Forester Mk3 (SH) variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each Forester Mk3 (SH) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • FORESTER31.4%440 tests

Petrol

  • FORESTER25.0%228 tests
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Subaru Foresters of this age

This list covers every Subaru Forester built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (SH) 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

    42.3%
    Advisory: 619Fail: 103 (14% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    17.5%
    Advisory: 206Fail: 13 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.2%
    Advisory: 156Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.7%
    Advisory: 138Fail: 12 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.6%
    Advisory: 112Fail: 15 (12% of the times it was found)

Based on 836 tests

Looking at a Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) (2008-2012) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 836 13-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 3,743 MOT tests on Subaru Foresters first registered between 2008-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.