Subaru Forester History Check
Run a free or full history check on any Subaru Forester. MOT history, finance, stolen, write-off and keeper records — plus model-specific buying advice below.
About the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a practical family SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The fourth generation (2013–2018) offered 2.0 petrol and 2.0 diesel engines, plus a turbo petrol XT, with manual or CVT gearboxes depending on the engine, while the fifth generation (2019–2024) was sold in the UK with a single 2.0 e-Boxer mild-hybrid petrol engine and a CVT only. It is known for off-road ability.
Common Subaru Forester Problems to Check
These are issues commonly reported on Subaru Forester models. Not every car is affected, and exact years and engines matter. Review the MOT history for any advisory items related to these areas, and raise them directly with the seller during viewing.
- What Car? says there are few reported problems, centred on non-engine electrics and some concerns about failures in the cooling system causing premature engine wear
- One owner review flags wheel-bearing failure and suspension as weak points on the 2013–2019 model
- Fourth generation recalls (Auto Express counts five, including air-intake cracks, faulty passenger airbags, valve springs and a brake-light switch), while the fifth generation has had just two recalls, the first involving faulty ignition coils on a small number of very early cars
- On the fifth generation, reviewers say the 2.0 e-Boxer engine is short of torque at low speeds and the CVT makes it noisy under acceleration, and Auto Express says the e-Boxer isn't as frugal as Subaru claimed
- Parkers says the fifth-generation lane-keeping and lane-departure systems are overly sensitive
Subaru Forester Buying Tips
- Ask a Subaru dealer, quoting the VIN, to confirm all recall work has been done
- Check for off-road damage, including underbody dents, exhaust hangers and alloy wheel damage
- Confirm all seats move properly and check the fabric or leather condition
- Check the cooling-system and coolant history (Auto Express says the coolant on the fourth generation needs renewing every 100,000 miles)
Reliability Summary
What Car? reports few problems with the Forester and placed Subaru 10th of 32 brands in its reliability survey at the time of its review. Auto Express says owners rate the fourth generation more highly than its own testers did, but also notes that reliability is a bugbear for some owners in its Driver Power surveys. Reported weak spots include the cooling system, non-engine electrics and wheel bearings, with clutches and driveshafts a concern on older cars.
What a Subaru Forester Check Covers
- ✓Outstanding finance — HP, PCP, and lease agreements still attached to the car
- ✓Stolen vehicle check — searched against national police databases
- ✓Insurance write-off history — Cat A, B, S, and N categories
- ✓Full MOT history — every test, failure, advisory and mileage reading
- ✓Previous keeper count and approximate ownership durations
- ✓Mileage verification — cross-referenced across all MOT records
- ✓DVLA data — make, model, colour, engine size, tax and MOT status
- ✓Current market valuation — trade, private, and retail values
Free Check vs Full Subaru Forester Report
The free check returns DVLA data (make, model, colour, fuel type, tax and MOT status) and the complete DVSA MOT history — at no cost, no account required. This is enough to verify the basics and review the mileage and maintenance record.
A full report from £9.99 adds finance, stolen, write-off, keeper history, plate changes, market valuation, and a downloadable PDF — everything you need before handing over money for a Subaru Forester.
More Subaru Checks
Subaru Forester FAQs
What should I check when buying a used Subaru Forester?
Run a full vehicle history check for finance, stolen status, and write-off history. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency. Ask a Subaru dealer, quoting the VIN, to confirm all recall work has been done.
Is it safe to buy a high-mileage Subaru Forester?
A high-mileage Subaru Forester can be a good purchase if it has full service history and a clean MOT record. Use the DVSA MOT history to verify mileage progression and check for recurring advisories.
Does the Subaru Forester commonly have outstanding finance?
Finance is common across all used car segments, and the Subaru Forester is no exception. Always run a finance check through VEHIXA's full report before any private purchase — a lender can repossess a car even if you paid the seller in good faith.