2014 Subaru XV petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Subaru XV petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Subaru XV petrol than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3× usual
  Subaru XV

  21.3% All 2014 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.5% of all 2014 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 joint3.1× usual
  Subaru XV

  11% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2% of all 2014 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.

• Wheel bearings3.8× usual
  Subaru XV

  3.8% All 2014 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2014 Subaru XV petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Subaru XV petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  33% 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
  26% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  18% 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
  7% 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
  5% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Subaru XV petrol

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× as often on the 2014 Subaru XV petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2014 Subaru XV petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2014 Subaru XV petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?