2012 Subaru XV diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Subaru XV diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Subaru XV diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usual
  Subaru XV

  25.3% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Ball joint3.7× usual
  Subaru XV

  19.2% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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 link joints2.6× usual
  Subaru XV

  7.9% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Subaru XV diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Subaru XV diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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.

• Brakes
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Subaru XV diesel

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 2.8× as often on the 2012 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2012 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2012 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?