2017 Subaru XV: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Subaru XV?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Subaru XV than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.5× usual
  Subaru XV

  12.8% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Brake lights3.8× usual
  Subaru XV

  4.5% All 2017 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Sidelights4.9× usual
  Subaru XV

  3.9% All 2017 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Subaru XV

  4.1% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints11× usual
  Subaru XV

  2.2% All 2017 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2017 Subaru XV MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Subaru XV MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  21% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  19% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  12% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  2% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Subaru XV

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2017 Subaru XV as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2017 Subaru XV as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2017 Subaru XV as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?