IsItAGoodCar
Year Range Hub

2001 Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF)

Browse our directory of 2001 Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF) vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.

Registration Directory

5 RLA1 YFBAE51 HVFAE51 HWDAJ51 GKUAK51 HMZAP51 BXJAP51 BXSAP51 GDEARY 11YB10 SOKB23 DONBC51 PKDBC51 PPUBF51 LWABJ51 CHFBN51 URHBN51 URKBN51 URVBN51 USBBX51 NFZBX51 NGGBX51 NHPCF51 JFUCHZ 414D11 JYODA51 OYTDE51 BXUDF51 AJYDG51 FLBDX51 BLZDX51 BMODX51 MZPEF51 XMUEN51 BCKEY51 NFMEY51 NHDEY51 WMDF29 APNFBZ 8192

Showing registrations 1–40 of 380 for the 2001 Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF). Select any plate for an instant vehicle history check.

Previous
12...10
Next

Common Problems & Reliability

1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2001 Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF) has 4 known issues. 1 of these are classified as serious faults that could be expensive to repair. 3 are moderate concerns worth inspecting before purchase.

Rear Strut Tower and Chassis Corrosion

Serious

UK road salt attacks the rear strut towers and the "U-brace" front subframe, often rotting them from the inside out. Structural corrosion here is one of the most common MOT failure areas on high-mileage SF Foresters and can lead to an MOT failure or expensive structural repair.

Symptoms: Corrosion in the boot area, Knocking from rear suspension...

Est. repair cost: £500–£2,500

Rear Wheel Bearing Failure

Moderate

The SF is known for chewing through rear wheel bearings, which can be a difficult and labor-intensive job to replace if the hub bolts are seized. A failing bearing produces a rising drone and, left too late, can damage the hub.

Symptoms: Low-frequency drone from the rear, Noise changes when cornering...

Est. repair cost: £200–£400 per side

Exhaust System Corrosion and Leaks

Moderate

On UK-salted roads the SF's exhaust system, silencer and pipes rust from the outside in, producing loud blowing or hissing noises and potentially an MOT failure on exhaust noise, emissions or leaks. This is most likely once the car is well into its mileage and has seen several winters.

Symptoms: Loud exhaust roar or hissing, Rattling from underneath the car...

Est. repair cost: £250–£600

Brake and Fuel Pipe Underbody Corrosion

Moderate

The steel brake and fuel lines that run along the sills and over the rear axle corrode under UK road salt, showing white crust or flaking metal. Severe corrosion brings MOT advisories or failures and can risk brake-fluid loss if a pipe penetrates.

Symptoms: White crust or flaking on brake pipes, Spongy or low brake pedal...

Est. repair cost: £150–£400

View detailed Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF) fault guide

Buying Tips for the 2001 Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF)

  • The 2.0L non-turbo engine is arguably Subaru’s most robust unit if the cambelt and oil are changed regularly.
  • Check the radiator top tank for cracks; a failure here usually leads to immediate engine overheating.
  • Inspect the rear strut towers from inside the boot; rot here is a common but hidden killer of SF Foresters.

Check Any Vehicle

Don't see your specific car listed? Enter any UK registration number for an instant vehicle history check — including MOT history, tax status, finance check, and write-off data.

Free Vehicle Check