2003 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · DS03 HVH
2003 Subaru Forester (2.0L, petrol). First registered 08 Jul 2003. Recorded mileage 196,770 miles. MOT expired on 10 Oct 2023.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU FORESTER
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Oct 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 196,770 mi
- 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.
DS03 HVH Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 11/10/2023
- 196,770 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 17 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DS03 HVH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Subaru Forester (DS03 HVH) between January 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 October 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (12 issues), Brakes (12 issues), Suspension (12 issues), Bodywork (9 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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: “Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn rear arm of two. (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Upper Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm o”; “Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bod”.
DS03 HVH Mileage History
- 04/01/2022189,612 mi
- 05/01/2022189,612 mi
- 12/10/2022193,307 mi+3,695 mi
- 11/10/2023196,770 mi+3,463 mi
Average of roughly 4,054 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Below Average
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (DS03 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as DS03HVH.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
BMW
3 SERIES
CITROEN
DS3
CITROEN
DS3
CITROEN
DS3
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
FORD
FIESTA
NISSAN
X-TRAIL
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
FORD
TRANSIT
MINI
MINI
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.