Model reliability

Subaru Xv reliability

The Subaru Xv fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 20.3% of 3,194 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old

10.6% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 2,030 MOT tests of Subaru Xvs this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenMechanical brake components3.7% vs 1.8%

6 to 10 years old

20.3% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 3,194 MOT tests of Subaru Xvs this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 48% more oftenSuspension arms3.4% vs 2.3%

Fails 80% more oftenPosition lamps2.7% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Fails 73% more oftenStop lamp2.6% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Advised 3× as oftenSuspension arms16.1% vs 5.3%

Over 10 years old

33.3% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 523 MOT tests of Subaru Xvs this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 92% more oftenSuspension arms9.8% vs 5.1%

Fails 33% more oftenStop lamp5.2% vs 3.9%Fix about £30

Fails 3× as oftenWheel bearings2.5% vs 0.9%

Fails 4× as oftenOther suspension component1.3% vs 0.3%

Advised 2× as oftenSuspension arms25.8% vs 12.1%

Advised 36% more oftenMechanical brake components22.9% vs 16.9%

Safety recalls

7 DVSA recalls for the Subaru Xv

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2022/2601 Sept 2022Built 2014–2018The electronic park brake connector may disconnect

The electronic park brake connector may disconnect.

Fix: Inspect the electronic park brake connector and if necessary fit a retaining clip.

Recalled models: XV · 4,769 vehicles

R/2021/3531 Nov 2021Built 2016–2019Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition

Ignition coils may short circuit and fail.�

Fix: Replace all ignition coils. If a misfire DTC is stored replace the front exhaust pipe.�

Recalled models: XV · 2,338 vehicles

R/2021/3521 Nov 2021Built 2017–2019The bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose

The bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket might become loose.�

Fix: Inspect the bolts and tighten them to the�specified��torque.�If the bolt(s) are missing new bolts will be�attached.�

Recalled models: XV · 1,949 vehicles

R/2020/31615 Nov 2020Built 2016–2019Due to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off

Possible engine stall and restart failure.

Fix: Re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil.

Recalled models: XV · 2,338 vehicles

R/2020/31515 Nov 2020Built 2016–2018Brake hose fitting caulking area has insufficient sealing

Vehicles are equipped with brake hose fittings with insufficient sealing.

Fix: Replace affected brake hoses with a countermeasure part.

Recalled models: XV · 585 vehicles

R/2019/1068 Apr 2019Built 2010–2016Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure

The vehicle�s brake lights may not operate properly.

Fix: The brake light switch will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: XV · 6,975 vehicles

R/2019/0251 Mar 2019Built 2013–2014The load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture

Engine valve springs may fracture.

Fix: Replace all engine valve springs.

Recalled models: XV · 812 vehicles

Show all 7 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Subaru Xv before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Subaru Xv reliability

7 DVSA recalls for the Subaru Xv

Checking a Subaru Xv before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.