Common Subaru Problems

The BT is a large, plush and petrol-only Outback for the UK market. It avoids the old diesel pitfalls, but early cars are heavily software-led and can still produce expensive warning-light faults.

Built upon the rigid Subaru Global Platform, the fifth-generation Forester (SK) is the safest, most refined, and technologically advanced iteration of the model to date. Arriving in the UK in 2018, it abandoned diesel power entirely in response to shifting market demands, focusing instead on petrol and mild-hybrid powertrains. The SK delivers a remarkably comfortable ride, exceptional structural rigidity, and a spacious, highly practical interior that feels vastly more premium than its utilitarian predecessors. Standard equipment levels are generous, and the inclusion of Subaru's excellent "EyeSight" suite of driver assistance cameras ensures top-tier safety ratings. The UK market primarily received the "e-Boxer" hybrid powertrain, which pairs a revised 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with a small electric motor integrated into the Lineartronic CVT. This setup is designed to improve low-speed responsiveness and urban efficiency, though real-world fuel economy gains are modest compared to full-hybrid rivals from Toyota. The powertrain is impeccably smooth in traffic, and the permanent symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, bolstered by an enhanced dual-function X-Mode, ensures the Forester retains its legendary sure-footedness in adverse weather or on muddy rural tracks. From a reliability standpoint, the SK shifts the ownership focus away from historic mechanical vulnerabilities towards modern electronic and cooling complexities. The most prominent issue involves the Thermo Control Valve (TCV), which is known to fail and trigger multiple dashboard warning lights alongside poor cabin heater performance. Furthermore, early examples may exhibit software glitches within the infotainment system or hybrid battery management, requiring dealer updates. Despite these modern nuances, the SK Forester remains a profoundly capable, reassuringly sturdy, and highly dependable family SUV for those who value genuine all-weather ability.

Built on Subaru’s global platform, the Mk5 is far more polished and safer than older Imprezas. Serious mechanical failures are rarer, but warning-light faults and ageing infotainment now matter more.

The BS feels more upmarket and carries more driver-assistance tech. It is a strong motorway companion, but the costly weak spots are still the CVT, front suspension and short-trip diesel use.

The SJ is roomier and more family-friendly than the SH. Petrol cars are generally the safer used buy; diesel examples and neglected CVTs are where the big bills sit.

Developed with Toyota, the BRZ is a pure drivers car. While the engines are generally strong, they require strict oil level monitoring and can suffer from high-pressure fuel pump noise.

The Subaru XV (subsequently rebranded as the Crosstrek in the UK market) is effectively a ruggedised, high-riding iteration of the Impreza hatchback, designed to bridge the gap between a conventional family car and a fully-fledged SUV. Introduced to the UK in 2012, it quickly gained a loyal following among buyers who required genuine off-road capability without the sheer bulk of a Forester or Outback. With its impressive ground clearance, tough plastic body cladding, and standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, the XV excels on muddy rural tracks, snowy lanes, and slippery slipways, proving to be far more capable than typical front-wheel-drive crossovers. Under the bonnet, the XV was initially offered with naturally aspirated 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, alongside the controversial 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel. The petrol units, generally paired with the Lineartronic CVT, are the more sensible choices, offering sedate but dependable performance. However, early 2.0-litre petrol engines (the FB20 unit) are well-known for excessive oil consumption, necessitating frequent checks between routine services. The diesel variant, while punchy and economical on long runs, suffers from the same DPF blockages and potential bottom-end failures that afflict the rest of the Subaru diesel range, making it a perilous choice for short-trip urban driving. Later models saw the introduction of the "e-Boxer" mild-hybrid powertrain, which improved urban refinement but offered only modest fuel savings. In terms of long-term reliability, the XV is fundamentally sturdy but possesses a few frustrating quirks. A common complaint among UK owners is severe parasitic battery drain, often traced to a fault in the Data Communication Module (DCM), which can flatten the battery if the car is left parked for just a few days. Furthermore, the Lineartronic CVT requires strict adherence to fluid replacement schedules; neglected transmissions can develop shuddering or hesitation, eventually leading to costly valve body failures. Additionally, the low-slung air-conditioning condenser is highly vulnerable to stone damage and corrosion from road salt. Provided these specific areas are closely inspected, the XV remains an immensely practical and tenacious all-weather companion.

The Mk4 trades old-school Subaru feel for comfort and efficiency. It is generally sensible to own, but this is the generation most linked with FB20 oil consumption and CVT sensitivity.

Still closely related to the Legacy estate, the BR Outback is a comfortable long-distance car. Diesel engine risk and ageing EPB hardware are the main reasons to inspect carefully.

The square-edged SH is a proper rural workhorse, but this is the Forester generation most exposed to boxer diesel failures, sagging self-levelling suspension and hidden rust underneath.

This hatchback-era Impreza still has real Subaru character, but UK buyers now need to focus more on rust, steering leaks and diesel risk than the old rally-car image.

The third-generation Subaru Outback (BP) is frequently cited by enthusiasts as the aesthetic pinnacle of the lineage, introducing a sleek, sophisticated design that allowed it to compete credibly against premium European alternatives like the Volvo XC70 and Audi A6 Allroad. Arriving in the UK in 2003, it perfectly blended the load-lugging practicality of the Legacy estate with raised ground clearance and ruggedised body cladding. Its permanent symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and low centre of gravity provided exceptional handling dynamics for an elevated vehicle, making it a highly desirable choice for rural families and outdoor enthusiasts requiring genuine all-weather utility. The engine range in the UK initially focused on the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder and the exceedingly smooth 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol units. While the 3.0-litre is robust but thirsty, the 2.5-litre EJ25 engine remains deeply susceptible to head gasket failures, a well-documented flaw that causes external oil and coolant leaks and can lead to severe engine damage if ignored. Later in its life cycle, the BP Outback received the controversial 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel engine. Aimed at improving fuel efficiency, early versions of this diesel unit unfortunately carry a high risk of catastrophic crankshaft and main bearing failure, severely impacting the model's long-term reputation. Beyond the powertrain, the BP Outback is a largely well-engineered vehicle, though it is not without its foibles. The factory self-levelling rear suspension is a known weak point; the expensive dampers frequently fail and cause the rear end to sag, prompting many owners to retrofit standard coil springs. Additionally, front CV joint boots are prone to splitting, and the exhaust system can rust heavily in the salty UK environment. Nevertheless, a 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre petrol model with a fully documented service history and proof of head gasket replacement represents a tremendously capable and handsome all-terrain estate car.

Many consider the SG the high-water mark for the Forester. While the 2.0L is sturdy, the 2.5L XT models bring higher performance along with greater head gasket and fuel consumption concerns.

These are the rally-era Imprezas UK enthusiasts still lust after, but they are now old performance cars that punish poor tuning, neglected servicing and hidden rust. Buy the best-documented car you can find.

The second-generation Impreza is a UK icon in both saloon and wagon form. Naturally aspirated cars are generally simple, but shell corrosion and ageing cooling hardware now decide whether one is worth saving.

The BH Outback established the model as a rugged estate alternative. While mechanically simple, the 2.5L engine is at high risk for head gasket failure in this generation.

The original Forester is a cult classic, blending Impreza mechanicals with a tall wagon body. In the UK, survival is now dictated by rust and cooling system maintenance.

The first-generation Subaru Impreza (1992–2000), particularly in its "Turbo 2000" guise, is the car that defined a generation of UK performance enthusiasts. Its success in the World Rally Championship with legends like Colin McRae and Richard Burns translated into a road car with incredible all-weather grip and a distinctive "boxer burble" that remains iconic today. Positioned as a giant-killer, the Impreza offered supercar-baiting pace in a practical, four-door package, and it remains one of the most engaging and visceral driving experiences available for the money. Reliability is fundamentally solid, provided the engine is maintained and not subjected to "bedroom" tuning. The EJ20 flat-four is famous for head gasket failure and "rod knock" if run on low or poor-quality oil, but these issues are usually avoidable with 3,000–5,000 mile oil changes. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is another critical component; a failing sensor can cause the engine to run lean and melt pistons under boost. Mechanically, the AWD system and gearboxes are tough, though the 5-speed manual can suffer from synchromesh wear if treated roughly. In the UK, the greatest threat to a Mk1 Impreza is the "tin worm." Rust is rampant in the rear wheel arches, sills, and rear suspension turrets, often starting from the inside out where it remains hidden until it's too late. When buying, a completely original, unmodified UK Turbo 2000 is the "Holy Grail" for collectors, while special editions like the McRae, Catalunya, and RB5 command significant premiums. Avoid any car with fresh, thick black underseal that might be hiding recent "patches," and always insist on a cold start to check for the dreaded rhythmic tapping of big-end bearing failure.