Used Subaru XV 2012-2018 reliability
Category: Family SUV
A high price when new prevented the Subaru XV from being a serious Nissan Qashqai rival, but does heavy depreciation mean we should view it differently as a used buy?
What should I look for in a used Subaru XV hatchback?
Aside from the usual stuff such as making sure all the equipment inside works, you might want to check that the bumpers and body are in good order and aren’t showing signs of parking damage. While a reversing camera is standard with SE trim and above, the absence of standard parking sensors is a surprising omission.
Look under the car for any signs of off-road damage and that it isn’t caked in mud. This can trap moisture that will lead to rust. Also, make sure the service history is up to date and that all the relevant fluids, including for the four-wheel drive system and CVT gearbox, have been changed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru XV hatchback?
Engine valve springs
The engine valve springs, which help open and close the valves to allow air and fuel into the engine and exhaust gases out, can fatigue over time, especially on examples built between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. A Subaru dealer will be able to let you know if your car is affected and replace the springs if necessary.
Brake lights
The brake light switch on XVs that were manufactured up until 22 September 2016 can fail and prevent the brake lights from illuminating. Your local Subaru dealer will be able to let you know if your car is affected and be able to replace the switch if it is.
Is a used Subaru XV hatchback reliable?
The XV didn’t feature in the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, but the Subaru brand as a whole did very well, with a score of 96.6% and a fifth-place ranking out of 31 manufacturers.
To read more from our Reliability Survey in detail, check out the full results here.
