Common Problems with the
2002 Subaru Forester Mk1 (SF)

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.

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.

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.

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.