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Subaru models

Subaru XV problems: find a local mechanic

CVT wear, bushes, recalls and the battery.

The Subaru XV problems worth knowing are wear in the CVT automatic, front suspension bushes on some cars, and a brake light switch recall on 2012 to 2015 models. None is a reason to panic, but each is worth checking. CarsGuide says every XV has a timing chain, so there's no belt to plan for.

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What does your XV need?

What does your XV need?

On the road? Get everyone somewhere safe, away from traffic. Anyone hurt or in danger: call 000.

Only one local mechanic gets your number.

None is a reason to panic, but each is worth checking. CarsGuide says every XV has a timing chain, so there's no belt to plan for.

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I've used this company at least 3times for rwc, and every time thier work has been spot on, and thier prices are unbeatable, I don't go anywhere else for anything to do with my car's ,

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Servicing and a brake fluid pipe repair

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Updated 3 November 2026 · Written by the Mechanic Sorted team · How we check our facts

XV or Crosstrek?

Same car, new name. Outside North America it was the XV until 2022, and the third generation took the Crosstrek name everywhere. If yours is the newer car, see our Subaru Crosstrek page. This page covers the first-generation XV (2012 to 2017) and the second (2017 to 2023).

Common Subaru XV problems

  • A thump when you select Reverse or Drive. CarsGuide notes the XV's CVT is known for developing wear, though it isn't the only possible cause.
  • Knocks or vague steering from the front. CarsGuide's answer on a 2019 XV that needed front bushes at about 50,000 km called it not brilliant, not terrible. Bushes are wear items.
  • Brake lights that don't come on, or a warning light. XVs from 2012 to 2015 were in the 2019 brake light switch recall, and some cars may not restart after switching off.
  • A car that cranks slowly on a cold morning: test the 12-volt battery before anything else.

The XV's CVT

A CVT (continuously variable transmission) uses a belt and pulleys rather than fixed gears. Subaru's newer schedule doesn't change its fluid unless the car works in extreme conditions, but it checks the CVT at every service.

If yours has started thumping or shuddering, get it looked at early and ask for the cause in writing. A mount, a software issue or internal wear can all feel similar from the driver's seat. More in transmission repairs.

XV battery replacement

The 12-volt battery in an XV from Model Year 2021 is warranted for 2 years and health-checked at every scheduled service. Have it and the alternator tested before replacing it, and match the spec in the owner's manual.

On Model Year 2021 cars, the XV Hybrid's high-voltage battery has an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. Leave anything on that side to a mechanic trained on hybrids.

Subaru XV service schedule, Model Year 2021

  • Every 12,500 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
  • Engine oil and filter at every service.
  • Brake fluid, cabin filter and air filter every 25,000 km or 24 months.
  • Differential oils at 50,000 km or 48 months.
  • Coolant at 75,000 km or 72 months.
  • Spark plugs and fuel filter at 100,000 km or 96 months.
  • A yearly hybrid system health check on the XV Hybrid.

Who can service it

A qualified independent mechanic can service an XV to Subaru's schedule and specifications, and that doesn't by itself void your new car warranty. Keep the invoices with every item listed.

Tell us it's an XV, the year and what it's doing. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.

If it were our XV

Run the VIN for the brake light recall if it's a 2012 to 2015 car. For a thump into gear, get it diagnosed while it's still just a thump. And if the front end has started knocking, ask for the bushes to be checked before tyres get worn unevenly.

Questions people ask

Does the Subaru XV have a timing belt?

No. CarsGuide says all XVs use a timing chain, which should last the life of the car with on-time oil changes.

What is the Subaru XV service schedule?

From Model Year 2021, every 12,500 km or 12 months, with items such as brake fluid, coolant and spark plugs replaced at set points. Your handbook lists them.

Why does my XV thump when I put it in gear?

CVT wear is one possible cause, but engine mounts and other driveline parts can do it too. A mechanic can narrow it down with a road test and a scan.

Other Subaru models

Helpful next

Subaru service: find a Subaru mechanicSubaru service timing, boxer engines, all-wheel drive, tyres and the warranty.Find a Subaru Crosstrek mechanicThe Crosstrek's service schedule, the hybrid health check and what's been reported so far.Transmission specialist near youSlipping, shudders, late changes and fluid changes: what a transmission mechanic checks first.Suspension and steering repairsWhat clunks, hums and clicks usually mean, and how worn suspension eats tyres.Car battery replacementHow long a car battery lasts, the signs it's going, how to jump start one, and what to test first.EV car service and hybrid servicingWhat hybrids and EVs still need, who's trained for high-voltage work, and how battery faults are tested.

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Where this information comes from

Rules change, so check with your state's transport department or consumer agency if something matters to your car. How we write and check these pages.