2010 Subaru Forester 2.0L Petrol · YN10 UAW

The most recent MOT on 2026-05-29 shows the vehicle failed due to excessive wear in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint (5.3.4 (a) (i)), which is a critical safety concern. This issue was previously noted in 2023 as "worn but not resulting in excessive movement," suggesting a progression in wear that now requires immediate attention. Both headlamps had minor lens contamination (4.1.4 (b)), which did not significantly affect light output but indicates potential neglect or environmental exposure. The 2025-05-21 MOT records a pass, but another failure on the same date highlights recurring issues with the nearside front headlamp (4.1.1 (a) (ii)) and offside rear registration plate lamp (4.7.1 (b) (i)). These suggest intermittent electrical or component failures, possibly linked to wiring, bulbs, or mounting. The 2023 MOT revealed multiple minor defects, including worn brake discs, tyre perishing, and suspension bush wear, which were not repeated in later tests. However, the 2026 suspension failure indicates a potential escalation in structural wear. The vehicle’s mileage of 146,583 miles over 16 years equates to roughly 9,161 miles annually, which is typical for its age. This suggests neither excessive hard use nor prolonged under-use, but the average rate means components like suspension, brakes, and tyres are likely nearing the end of their service life. The 2023 MOT’s tyre perishing and brake disc wear, combined with the 2026 suspension issue, point to gradual degradation rather than sudden failure.