Subaru XV MOT Failure Rate

Q: What is the MOT failure rate for a Subaru XV?

The Subaru XV has an overall MOT failure rate of 16.2%, based on 25,409 MOT tests in the DVSA database. This is below the UK average of 28%.

Q: What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru XV?

The most common MOT failure areas for the Subaru XV are: Lamps & Electrics (3.3% risk), Suspension (2.5% risk), Brakes (2.0% risk). These are based on weighted component failure rates across all age and mileage bands.

Q: Is the Subaru XV reliable for MOT?

Yes, the Subaru XV is more reliable than average for MOT, with a failure rate of 16.2% compared to the UK average of 28%.

Q: How does the Subaru XV MOT failure rate change with age?

The Subaru XV MOT failure rate increases with vehicle age. Newer models typically have lower failure rates, while vehicles over 10 years old see significantly higher rates, often above 35%. Regular maintenance becomes more important as your vehicle ages.

Q: How can I reduce the risk of my Subaru XV failing its MOT?

Check all lights and bulbs, inspect tyre tread depth, test windscreen washers and wipers, listen for brake or suspension noises, and consider a pre-MOT check at a local garage. Use AutoSafe's free prediction tool for a personalised risk assessment.

16.2%

MOT failure rate from 25,409 tests

11.8pp below the UK average (28%)

Key Findings for the Subaru XV

Overall MOT failure rate: 16.2% — 11.8pp below the UK average (28%)
Highest-risk component: Lamps & Electrics (3.3% failure risk)
Most reliable age group: 0-2 years (5.0% failure rate)
Highest-risk age group: 11-15 years (30.9% failure rate)
Based on 25,409 official DVSA MOT tests

Failure Rate by Vehicle Age

How the Subaru XV MOT failure rate changes with age:

Age	Failure Rate	Tests	Worst Area
0-2 years	5.0%	2,454	Lamps & Electrics
3-5 years	10.6%	9,909	Brakes
6-10 years	21.7%	11,886	Lamps & Electrics
11-15 years	30.9%	1,160	Lamps & Electrics

Component Risk Breakdown

Which parts of the Subaru XV are most likely to cause an MOT failure:

Lamps & Electrics 3.3%

Suspension 2.5%

Brakes 2.0%

Visibility 1.5%

Tyres 1.5%

Body & Chassis 0.5%

Steering 0.1%

Subaru XV by Age Group

See detailed MOT failure data for each age group:

What Subaru XV Owners Should Watch For

Based on the MOT test data for the Subaru XV, here are the key areas to pay attention to before your MOT:

Lamps & Electrics (3.3% failure risk) — Walk around the car and check every bulb — headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights. This is one of the cheapest and easiest fixes.
Suspension (2.5% failure risk) — Look for leaking shock absorbers, worn bushes, and damaged springs. A bouncing or uneven ride often signals problems.
Brakes (2.0% failure risk) — Check brake pad thickness, disc condition, and handbrake operation. Listen for grinding or squealing when braking.

Many of these issues are inexpensive to fix when caught early. A pre-MOT inspection at a local garage typically costs £20–£40 and can save you the cost of a retest (£15–£30) plus the inconvenience of a failed MOT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MOT failure rate for a Subaru XV?

The Subaru XV has an overall MOT failure rate of 16.2%, based on 25,409 MOT tests recorded in the DVSA database. This is below the UK national average of approximately 28%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Subaru XV?

The most common areas for MOT failure on a Subaru XV are:

Lamps & Electrics — 3.3% failure risk
Suspension — 2.5% failure risk
Brakes — 2.0% failure risk

These component risks are weighted averages across all age and mileage bands in the dataset.

Is the Subaru XV reliable for MOT?

Yes, the Subaru XV performs better than average in MOT tests. Its 16.2% failure rate is well below the UK average of 28%, making it one of the more reliable options.

How does the Subaru XV MOT failure rate change with age?

The failure rate increases significantly with vehicle age. Newer Subaru XV models (0-2 years) have a relatively low 5.0% failure rate, while older examples (11-15 years) see failure rates rise to 30.9%. This pattern is common across most vehicle models and reflects increased wear on mechanical components over time.

How can I reduce the risk of my Subaru XV failing its MOT?

The most effective steps are: (1) Check all lights and bulbs before your test — lighting failures are the most common and cheapest to fix. (2) Inspect tyre tread depth and condition. (3) Test your windscreen washers and wipers. (4) Listen for unusual noises from brakes or suspension. (5) Consider a pre-MOT check at a local garage. You can also use our free prediction tool to get a personalised risk breakdown for your specific vehicle.

Where can I check the MOT history of a Subaru XV?

You can check any vehicle's full MOT history for free on the official DVSA service. This shows all previous test results, advisory items, and failure reasons. AutoSafe goes further by analysing this data with AI to predict your future MOT outcome.

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Other Subaru Models

Compare the Subaru XV MOT failure rate against other Subaru models:

Similar Failure Rate Models

These models from other manufacturers have a similar MOT failure rate to the Subaru XV:

Related Guides

Data methodology: Failure rates are weighted averages across all mileage bands, calculated from official DVSA MOT test records. Only age/mileage combinations with 100+ tests are included. Component risks represent the probability of failure in each specific area. Data covers 142 million MOT tests across the UK.

Trust signals: Risk model: CatBoost v55 • Data source: DVSA Open Data (OGL v3) • Last updated: 2026-03-08 • Limitation: population averages; individual vehicle condition, service history and mileage may vary.

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