Subaru XV Questions & Answers

Hi Ash, I would advise to do a google search as they are having some issues with transmission. We love our xv's and have recently bought another for wife (daughter has old one) and Subaru has help repaired our transmission on older xv 2012. My only beef is that The Americans have received full warranty (10 years 160km) for these problems and we haven't in Australia. Do some searches mate

Hi Peter,
Will do, Thank you for taking the time to respond.

seems to be the 2010 to 2016 models are the duds. They have updated the technology in later models (so I'm told) I had problems with the transmission and had have a part replaced to do with the ATS system and now the CV joints are playing up. On reading online I am not the only one,

Yes, the same problem has just occurred in our XV (2012) - very frustrating. No solution yet - going to pursue it this week.!

Yes, same problem XV 2016, that was two weeks ago and on the weekend can't put the car in Reverse or Park, stuck in Neutral and Drive, needs a screw driver into the shift area and push down to get the car into Reverse or Park (RACV helped out here). Towed away this morning to find out what is happening as no indicators as well.

Still at Subaru being repaired one and half weeks later, replacing different area's but still have not come up with a reason and I haven't heard from them since last week. Car has only 22000 kms on clock and no service car replacement, we are having to plan our work travel commitments, sport, shopping for two with one car left to share.

I'm getting 7.9 lt/ 100ks in mainly city driving. My XV 2.0S is 2 months old.

I ended up buying the XVs also and find actual figures of 9.7L/100 city and 8L/100 motorway. The cars computer is way out as I use the distance and filled method of calculating. I would check your figure manually rather than taking the car's figure.

Hi,
I drive XV 2018 as well.
I personally have not had this type of issue however I think it is another fault or issue on overall entertainment unit. Because I always have a problem with Apple Car Play and every time i bring my car in the service Subaru says they don’t know and couldn’t do anything about that which is really frustrating. Unless they see very obvious mechanical problem this is what they try to avoid their responsibility, I guess. As they said to you “AM signal weaker”... I don’t believe that. It was just a lame excuse. That is why i am not going to recommend Subaru and not going to buy it when I buy my next car down the track.
Wish the problem will be resolved soon.

Thanks for your feedback, it’s all very frustrating. I have booked my car in to have the radio checked on Monday but they have told me if they don’t deem there is a problem, I will have to pay an hours wages which is $165! I’m obviously in the wrong business!

If you research there have been issues with these head units, talk to your dealer after you do some research, our unit has frozen twice and they offered to replace it if it does it again. Also we have issues sometimes with connecting to apple play with my wife’s 10, It maybe a software issue with the phone however as my 7 has no issues at all. Subaru know there’s an issue with the head units and often a software update fixes the glitches so try that at your next service, if you still have issues requests they replace the head unit under warranty. Under consumer law Subaru has an obligation to replace the head unit if faulty, don’t fall for the mechanical issue crap! Sorry it really frustrates me when dealers try and stoop customers. You have to remember dealers are just representing the Subaru brand, go to Subaru direct if you need to. Also research the lemon laws and consumer laws in relation to vehicles and know your rights. Need any further help just message me.

Hi Anne
I cannot comment on your 2015 model as mine is a 2018 model with the new technology infotainment system
The original bluetooth sound with my vehicle was always crystal clear from day one and remains so with the 2022 update .
My mobile was a Samsung Galaxy S5 ( 2014) and I only recently upgraded to Samsung Galaxy A8
Therefore, even with the old Samsung my blue tooth was clear
It would seem obvious that your sound quality issue is with your Subaru software
Have you ever updated your software?
You may have to pay for it as your vehicle is out of warranty
Good luck
CM

Thanks, CM, that sounds like something I need to check out. Great to know that the 2018 model’s sound quality is good, as I’m thinking about upgrading. Based on reviews at the time, it seemed that inferior quality with earlier models may have been a common experience, but updating the software could be the thing to try. Many thanks for your response.

It does surge a bit when the engine isn't warmed up yet, need to take it easy on the acceleration when it is still cold.

Yes just spent $500 again since Feb service burning oil ... had new plugs fitted

Yeah Simon ours does the same, al reported it to Subaru at my first service and they said it was normal, l had them however record it on my service history should anything come up in the future.

There should be a knob on the driver door, where you control all the windows. Its a joystick, so you select which side you want to change and move it in the right direction like a direction pad

No, it only has the basic entertainment system with a small screen. Though it does include bluetooth

I have the same problelm with the my 2017 XV. A search of the internet shows this is a common problem worldwide (Crosstrek = XV in US). Looks like some sort of solenoid needs replacing. I will try get it fixed under warranty.

Further update: Have booked in with Subaru for repair under waranty this week. They seem to recognise the issue and had no hesitation in fixing under warranty. Problem is a switch in gearbox. Takes about 2 hours to repair.

Nice, just remember you have consumer laws, don’t be afraid to fight for them. If you google Australian consumer vehicles laws you will get an array of information. Also if you have an issue with your vehicle do what John did, research it and then take your findings to your dealer armed with your new consumer knowledge. You also have to remember your dealer is just a representative of the car manufacturer, don’t be afraid to approach the manufacturer if the dealer won’t assist.

I dont have an answer but I think have the same problem occurring n my car - have you found a fix?

Sorry, I took my car to dealer who fixed the issue.

why has it been replaced each time?
Mine had an oil leak under warranty needing to remove the engine to resell the cam carriers. After that it had a ticking noise that was found to be a bent camshaft. Engine out again and new camshaft installed. Now running well at 80,000 kms

We bought our 2012 Subaru XV in March 2015. It ran like a charm, clocking up 110,000 ks without a hitch until four weeks ago when it shuddered, lost power intermittently and flashed about four different messages reporting engine trouble. We've been waiting all this time for the problem to be diagnosed, and now onto our third hire car at great cost. We bought Subaru on the expectation of reliability and thought we were winning the game. Nooooot sooo. We are waiting for some satisfactory answers Subaru!

I've just lost the transmission valve body, which may be up to a 3500 replacement job. The first two things I mentioned were ACCC and fair trading. Subaru are finding out whether it can be resolved under any special arrangement, and we've seen articles about extended warranties in the USA for an array of issues with CVT, including very specific comments about this problem. Just the latest issue amongst many.

Update: Not having anything free as it's not under warranty. Estimate is 1.8k.

Hi, we have been without our Subaru 2014 XVS for over 2 months waiting for Subaru to look into the cvt transmission failure. We have been to Fair Trading and the transmission has now been sent away for a diagnosis. The car is still under Warranty. Subaru Moss Vale NSW have been of no help whatsoever dispite us having owned many Subaru’s previously.
Anyone else please advise?!

Apparently, Subaru don't build their own transmission any more. This is particularly interesting when smaller parts like a single solenoid on the valve body fail. I was referred to a transmission specialist by the dealer, who says instead of purchasing a si.ple part, the entire valve body assembly needs to be replaced. (1800).

Your repair costs should be covered under warranty, though. I figure if you want a car you can rely on, get a different brand next time.

Obviously you should ask Subaru

Bought a used 2012 XV and days after buying it, it did this exactly. Turns out it just needed a new o2 sensor.

Cant help sorry. We avoid phone car integration as there always seems to be issues, and for our use virtually no benefits.

I'm so pleased I'm not the only one. That drives me nuts!

You are not going nuts! at your next service request a software update