2021 Subaru Xv — MOT failures & pass rate
267 MOT tests on the 2021 Subaru Xv are in this dataset, and 92.1% of them passed. Small SUVs of a similar age fail at 7.2%, so the 2021 Xv sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in visibility, brakes and tyres.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — visibility (2.6%) and brakes (2.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are wipers, brake pads and headlamp aim — wipers alone was recorded 8 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 16.1% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility | 2.6% | 7 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.6% | 7 |
| 3 | Tyres | 2.3% | 6 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 2.3% | 6 |
| 5 | Suspension | 0.4% | 1 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 0.4% | 1 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wipers | 8 |
| 2 | Brake pads | 7 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 3 |
| 4 | Front fog lamps | 2 |
| 5 | Registration plate lamp(s) | 2 |
| 6 | Brake discs | 1 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 16.1% | 43 |
| 2 | Brakes | 15.4% | 41 |
| 3 | Suspension | 6.7% | 18 |
| 4 | Other defects | 3.4% | 9 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.4% | 9 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 1.5% | 4 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 170 | 5.9% |
| 30-60k | 85 | 10.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 124 | 7.3% |
| 2025 | 139 | 8.6% |
What to check before buying a 2021 Xv
On a 2021 Xv, visibility is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 2.6% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Visibility (2.6% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Brakes (2.6% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Tyres (2.3% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2021 Subaru Xvs pass their MOT?
92.1% of the 267 2021 Subaru Xv MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 7.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Subaru Xv?
Visibility, recorded in 2.6% of tests, followed by brakes (2.6%).
Does the 2021 Xv get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.9% in the 0-30k band to 10.6% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 267 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.