2016 Subaru XV diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Subaru XV diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Subaru XV diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Subaru XV

  17.5% All 2016 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints21× usual
  Subaru XV

  4.2% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2016 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.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Subaru XV

  6.3% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.2% of all 2016 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.

• Exhaust system3.2× usual
  Subaru XV

  5.5% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Sidelights3.7× usual
  Subaru XV

  4.8% All 2016 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.1% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Subaru XV diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Subaru XV diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  28% 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
  23% 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
  14% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  6% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 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 3.6× as often on the 2016 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 21× as often on the 2016 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2016 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?