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R556 HBA

1997 Subaru Forester

Black Petrol 1990cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires5 Jun 2026
Tests20 (14 pass, 6 fail)
Pass rate70%

Mileage

99,014 mi
Last recorded99,014 miles
Recorded on6 Jun 2025
Typical for 1997 Subaru Forester113,380 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Subaru
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR556 HBA
MakeSubaru
ModelForester
Year1997
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,990cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

14 pass 6 fail
Pass 6 Jun 2025 99,014 miles

Front Coil spring corroded Both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Lower (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly damaged (1.1.12 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Lower (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge On 1.6mm ADVISE Replacement (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 3 Jun 2024 94,933 miles

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both front (5.2.3 (e))

all bushes worn

general corosion

Pass 14 Apr 2023 92,293 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated slightly deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rearward (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

steering rack " d bushes " have play ( slight ) not to excess both nearside and offside

Fail 10 Apr 2023 92,168 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released (4.3.2 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Front seat frame fastening bolt loose but not insecure

Offside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated slightly deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rearward (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

oil level below minimum before test

steering rack " d bushes " have play ( slight ) not to excess both nearside and offside

Pass 9 Apr 2022 86,776 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking slightly (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rearward (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

steering rack ' D ' mounting bushes have slight play in both offside and nearside not to excess

Pass 5 Apr 2021 81,031 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened disc pitted at the outer edge (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking slightly (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rearward (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking slightly (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 29 Mar 2021 81,029 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened disc pitted at the outer edge (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking slightly (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Position lamp not working lit when the bonnet was opened and stayed lit throughout the test (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rearward (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking slightly (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 3 Mar 2020 81,027 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Registration plate lamp missing in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Fail 7 May 2019 81,027 miles

Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt both sides (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively both sides (1.2.1 (e))

Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both sides 3mm (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Front fog lamp lens damaged

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both sides pitted (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

coolant level below min mark

Fail 24 Oct 2018 80,882 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases at centre pipe (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front fog light lens damaged

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 26 Sep 2017 70,173 miles
Pass 15 Sep 2016 69,594 miles
Pass 28 Sep 2015 69,364 miles
Pass 5 Sep 2014 68,651 miles
Pass 6 Sep 2013 67,625 miles
Fail 6 Sep 2013 67,625 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 7 Sep 2012 65,205 miles
Pass 6 Sep 2011 61,621 miles
Pass 28 Aug 2010 59,017 miles
Pass 1 Sep 2009 54,720 miles

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

How Reliable is the Subaru Forester?

Based on 456,470 MOT tests across 33,044 vehicles.

76.1%
Pass Rate
6,679
Miles/Year
29
Year Lifespan
33,044
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 8,106
Registration plate lamp not working 6,977
position lamp(s) not working 6,967
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 5,820
Brake pipe excessively corroded 5,429
Full Subaru Forester reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

R556 HBA is a 1997 Subaru Forester in Black with a 1,990cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 20 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 70%.

Across all 1997 Subaru Forester models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.9% with a typical mileage of 113,380 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Subaru Forester fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 8,106 recorded failures. If you're considering buying R556 HBA, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Subaru Forester typically stays on UK roads for around 29 years. At 29 years old, this Subaru Forester is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R556 HBA?

You can check the full history of R556 HBA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R556 HBA registered?

R556 HBA is a 1997 Subaru Forester, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is R556 HBA safe to buy?

The MOT history for R556 HBA shows 20 tests with a 70% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R556 HBA have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on R556 HBA. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.