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.

The SK feels much more modern and safer, especially in e-Boxer trim. Ownership risk shifts away from rust and diesel issues towards electronics, CVT maintenance and newer cooling-system faults.

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 XV (renamed Crosstrek in late 2023) is a tough, high-riding hatchback. It is generally very reliable, but UK owners face issues with battery life, CVT maintenance, and oil consumption on early petrol units.

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 BP is widely considered the best-looking Outback and a genuine Volvo/Audi alternative. It still suffers from head gasket risks on the 2.5, but the introduction of the Boxer Diesel brought its own set of severe risks.

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 "Classic" Impreza is a legend in the UK, but after 20+ years, they are now high-maintenance vintage cars. Rust is the primary enemy of this generation.