2008 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · J4 WHA

Most recent MOT outcome – The latest test on 21 October 2025 records a PASS, but the same date also lists a FAIL for several serious items. The failures that day include a major exhaust leak, excessive exhaust noise, an inoperative rear‑plate lamp, and recurring corrosion on rear‑sub‑frame and rear‑inner‑suspension mountings, plus tyre wear on both rear wheels and a severely deteriorated front lower‑ball‑joint dust cover. Because the pass was only granted after the failures were noted, the vehicle is still carrying a number of unresolved safety‑related defects. Recurring mechanical pattern – Across the last three years the MOT data shows a consistent corrosion issue on the rear sub‑frame and the inner rear‑suspension mounting points (2024 and 2025). The rear tyres were already close to the legal limit in 2025 and the same tyres were flagged as worn in 2025, suggesting they have not been replaced since. The front lower‑ball‑joint dust cover was recorded as severely deteriorated in 2025 and has not appeared again, indicating it may still be in poor condition. The exhaust leak and plate‑lamp fault are new in 2025, adding to the existing corrosion and tyre concerns. Trend assessment – The pattern is worsening . Corrosion has persisted for at least two years without apparent remediation, and a new, serious exhaust leak has emerged. The presence of both a pass and a fail on the same day shows that remedial work was either incomplete or only just sufficient to clear the test, leaving the underlying problems in place.