Used Subaru XV

What to know before buying: Subaru XV

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• A first-generation XV 2.0D owner found the cabin too small for an average family of four and the car relatively uncomfortable on long journeys.[2]one source
• Views on the 2.0 petrol engine's performance differ: one XV owner criticises its 80–120 km/h acceleration, while another says it pulls well even in fifth gear.[2]one source
• One second-generation XV owner reports no faults apart from wind whistling around a plastic trim piece near the bonnet.[1]one source
• Among failed inspections, average defects for 2012–2017 XVs rise from 2.4 for 2016 cars to 3.0 for 2012 cars; routine maintenance and repairs are excluded.[4]one source

Typical faults

• One new XV 1.6 manual repeatedly showed a check-engine warning; a camshaft sensor was replaced, but by 1,000 km it developed head-area knocking and misfiring.[3]one source

  0–1 000 km · 1.6 MT

• Among XVs that failed inspection, audible or detectable wheel-bearing wear appeared in 9% of 2012 cars and 5% of 2013–2014 cars.[4]one source

  2012–2014

• Excessive ball-joint play was recorded in 3% of 2012 and 2013 XVs that failed inspection.[4]one source

  2012–2013

• Wear of mechanical brake-system components was recorded in 3% of 2012 XVs that failed inspection.[4]one source

  2012–2012

• One second-generation XV owner reports that the bonnet prop rod vibrates and strikes the body during steady driving at 50–60 km/h.[1]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0 petrol is worth considering over the diesel: one forum contributor considers the petrol version better in every respect except consumption, though opinions on its performance differ.[2]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On 2012–2014 cars, check wheel bearings for play and noise; also inspect ball joints on 2012–2013 cars and mechanical brake components on 2012 cars.[4]one source
• For an XV 1.6 manual, perform a cold start and diagnostic scan; watch for a check-engine warning, head-area knocking and misfiring.[3]one source
• Drive a second-generation car steadily at 50–60 km/h, listen for noise from the right-front area and check that the bonnet prop rod is held firmly.[1]one source
• Test a second-generation car at motorway speed; listen for whistling around the black trim between the bonnet and windscreen and inspect it for a gap.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]subaru-slo.net — Subaru XV second gen. problemi · forum
2. [2]avtomobilizem.com — Poglej temo - Subaru XV · forum
3. [3]old.suba-xv.tech — XV, 1.6, проблемы с двигателем - Old Subaru XV · press
4. [4]autozine.nl — Betrouwbaarheid Subaru XV (2012 - 2017) · press

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