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Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) (2013-2017) reliability

At a glance

Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) models built around 2017 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) right now?

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

Key figure

18% of MOT tests on Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) models built around 2017 involves the suspension.

Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2013-2017SUVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 6,291 tests of Forester models registered 2013-2017.

About 1 in 25 Forester Mk4 (SJ) MOTs (4.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,257 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 30 Forester Mk4 (SJ) MOTs (3.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 1,257 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (SJ) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
40316.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,25718.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,38621.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,39721.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,26224.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
58624.2%

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 11 years old.

How the Forester Mk4 (SJ) compares

At each age below, see how the Forester Mk4 (SJ) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 3,516 tests across 7 Subaru models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
40316.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,25718.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,38621.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,39721.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,26224.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
58624.2%

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 pads

High priority

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

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.

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 Mk4 (SJ).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.4%, against 18.4% for the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ), both built around 2017.

    1,993 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    4.2%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 18.4% for the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ), both built around 2017.

    8,265 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    2.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 18.4% for the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ), both built around 2017.

    3,954 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    SEAT Ateca

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    4.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 18.4% for the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ), both built around 2017.

    8,004 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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

6 of the 12 Forester Mk4 (SJ) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 recalls

Top concerns

  • Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition
  • The bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose
  • Due to improper ECM programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed afte

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

How Forester Mk4 (SJ) cars have aged

How Forester Mk4 (SJ) 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%4681012Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.2% (710 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (686 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (681 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (678 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (671 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (899 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (896 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (909 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (869 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (883 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (775 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (764 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (770 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (769 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (741 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (843 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (846 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (854 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (816 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (797 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (624 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (632 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (629 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (611 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (586 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
Mk4 (SJ) variants compared

Forester Mk4 (SJ) variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each Forester Mk4 (SJ) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FORESTER16.6%733 tests

Diesel

  • FORESTER20.8%524 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Subaru Foresters of this age

This list covers every Subaru Forester built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (SJ) 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

    24.7%
    Advisory: 434Fail: 101 (19% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    12.3%
    Advisory: 242Fail: 15 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.2%
    Advisory: 126Fail: 23 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.6%
    Advisory: 140Fail: 14 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    6.4%
    Advisory: 108Fail: 4 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,257 tests

Looking at a Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) (2013-2017) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,257 8-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 6,291 MOT tests on Subaru Foresters first registered between 2013-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.