Subaru Xv MOT Failures
An analysis of 24,478 real DVSA MOT tests on the Subaru Xv — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: GP7 (2011–2017), GT (2017–2023).
Where the Subaru Xv fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Subaru Xv is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 7.5 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 24,478 MOT tests, 1.95% of all Subaru Xv tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (19x the fleet average) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (13x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Subaru Xv's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 2 categories: Suspension, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Subaru Xv before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Subaru Xv's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Subaru Xv specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (13x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (7.0x).
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Subaru Xv specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint worn (12x the average) and stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (9.9x). anti-roll bar links worn (7.0x) and anti-roll bar links worn also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Subaru Xv specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint worn (13x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (7.5x).
The shift from stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... at lower mileages to suspension pin, bush or joint worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Subaru Xv specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Wheel bearing wear (2.0 engines) Major
Both 2.0-litre petrol and diesel XV variants show wheel bearing failure rates up to 6.1 times higher than the fleet average. Affects GP7, GT; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£350.
CVT transmission hesitation and juddering Major
Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission used across the XV range can develop hesitation and juddering issues at higher mileages. Affects GP7, GT; typical independent garage repair cost is £3,000–£4,500.
Suspension bush and joint wear (all generations)
The XV shows significantly higher rates of suspension component wear than the fleet average, particularly affecting bushes and ball joints. Affects GP7, GT; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.
Premature brake pad wear (1.6 and 2.0 petrol)
This suggests either softer pad compounds or more aggressive initial bedding-in requirements. Affects GP7, GT; typical independent garage repair cost is £100–£180.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Subaru Xv common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Subaru Xv
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Subaru Xv:
Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Lights & Electrics — check for stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/....
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about wheel bearing wear and cvt transmission hesitation and juddering. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Subaru Xv?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Subaru Xv MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru Xv?
Based on 24,478 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is anti-roll bar links worn — at 8x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... and suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
Is the Subaru Xv reliable based on MOT data?
The Subaru Xv has 3 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag wheel bearing wear as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Subaru Xv most commonly fails on suspension pin, bush or joint worn and anti-roll bar links worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... and anti-roll bar links worn.
How do I check a Subaru Xv's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.