2017 Subaru XV diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.3× usual
  Subaru XV

  16% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, 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.

• Sidelights8.4× usual
  Subaru XV

  6.7% All 2017 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, 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.

Common 2017 Subaru XV diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  25% 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
  24% 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
  20% 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
  6% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 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 4.3× as often on the 2017 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 8.4× as often on the 2017 Subaru XV diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?