2003 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · DH53 DWG
2003 Subaru Forester (2.0L, petrol). First registered 15 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 213,112 km. MOT valid until 15 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU FORESTER
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Odometer
- 213,112 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DH53 DWG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/09/2026
- 213,112 km recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DH53 DWG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Subaru Forester (DH53 DWG) between August 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))”; “Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))”.
DH53 DWG Odometer History
- 14/08/2023177,884 km
- 19/08/2024193,335 km+15,451 km
- 17/09/2025205,221 km+11,886 km
- 13/08/2026212,139 km+6,918 km
- 09/09/2026213,112 km+973 km
Average of roughly 11,468 km per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Subaru Subaru Forester Mk2 (SG)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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SUBARU FORESTER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Self-Levelling Suspension (SLS) FailureModerate
The original rear struts leak and sag over time, leaving the rear of the SG sitting low, especially when towing or loaded. Suspension is a leading MOT failure area on this generation, and genuine OEM SLS parts are expensive in the UK.
- Rear Subframe and Mounting Point CorrosionModerate
UK road salt attacks the rear subframe and its suspension mounting points, often before the body panels look especially rusty. Corrosion around prescribed areas is a recorded MOT failure on this generation and can become structural if ignored.
- Exhaust System Corrosion and LeaksModerate
The SG's exhaust, silencer and pipes rust under UK winter salt, causing loud blowing or rattling noises and potential MOT failure on exhaust noise, emissions or leaks. Once the car has covered high mileage on salty roads this is a common and predictable wear item.
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