2013 Subaru XV diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Subaru XV diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Subaru XV diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Subaru XV

  23.8% All 2013 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.7% of all 2013 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

  17.1% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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

  4.4% All 2013 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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 2013 Subaru XV diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Subaru XV diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  25% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  4% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 3.1× as often on the 2013 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 2013 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 11× as often on the 2013 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?