Subaru XV MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,115 MOT tests on the Subaru XV carried out in 2023. 17% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 XV models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2012 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (94% passed, +6.6 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 2012 models fared worst (67%, +1.7 points). Tested cars had covered 50,962 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 6.3% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 4.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,115
- First-time pass rate
- 83%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +11.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 50,962
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular XV?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
XV MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 329 | 94% | 88% | +6.6 points | 19,751 |
| 2019 | 960 | 92% | 86% | +5.9 points | 26,774 |
| 2018 | 1,085 | 88% | 84% | +3.3 points | 34,273 |
| 2017 | 601 | 83% | 82% | +1.7 points | 45,107 |
| 2016 | 730 | 85% | 79% | +6.0 points | 52,086 |
| 2015 | 642 | 81% | 75% | +5.2 points | 61,239 |
| 2014 | 630 | 75% | 72% | +3.6 points | 72,145 |
| 2013 | 577 | 73% | 68% | +4.3 points | 77,167 |
| 2012 | 553 | 67% | 66% | +1.7 points | 85,918 |
Why the Subaru XV fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | XV | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 6.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 4.7% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 4.6% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 2.9% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 2.4% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.9% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working4.2%
- 2less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
- 3ball joint excessively worn2.2%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
- 5pin or bush excessively worn1.4%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
- 7significantly and obviously worn0.8%
- 8has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%
- 9excessively binding0.6%
- 10rough when rotated0.6%
Common XV MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used XV, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.3% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 11.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.1% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.7% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.6% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 1.3% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 1.3% |
Tips to help your XV pass
Based on where XV models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.3% of XV tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 4.6% of XV tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the XV ULEZ compliant? See the Subaru XV ULEZ check, or view all Subaru models.
Other Subaru models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,115 first MOT tests of the Subaru XV carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 6,115 first MOT tests of the Subaru XV.
What is the Subaru XV MOT failure rate?
In our data, 17% of 6,115 first MOT attempts on the Subaru XV ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Subaru XV fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (6.3% of tests), suspension (4.7% of tests), brakes (4.6% of tests).
Which XV year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 94% passed first time, +6.6 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 2012, at 67% (+1.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Subaru XV covered at its MOT?
The average was 50,962 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 19,751 miles and 2012 cars 85,918.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Subaru XV?
"pin or bush excessively worn" was recorded on 11.3% of tests, in the suspension area. 4.7% of XV models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific XV's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,115 XV models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 67% to 94% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any XV's MOT history
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