Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Subaru Exiga is known for (2008–2015), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Look on the passenger sun visor for an airbag-off label, check the airbag light goes out, and ask for recall stamps.
Why it matters: Subaru filed repeated recalls with MLIT stating that the moisture protection on the passenger airbag inflator propellant was inadequate, that the propellant degrades under repeated temperature and humidity cycling, and that the inflator housing can burst when the airbag deploys.
What to look for: Listen at the engine front for a whine or rumble rising with revs, and ask when the timing belt was done.
Why it matters: Subaru told MLIT the water pump bearing was assembled with too little clearance, that the bearing breaks, the water pump stops working, the timing belt is damaged, and the engine then stops and cannot be restarted. On these belt-driven EJ engines that failure sequence is expensive, and it does not announce itself as a coolant loss first.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen at the front of the engine for a whine from a dry idler, and ask for a cambelt invoice.
Why it matters: A snapped belt on this interference engine bends the valves and usually means a cylinder-head rebuild or a replacement engine, so an overdue or unproven belt is a real cost to price into the car.
What to look for: Accelerate gently from a stop to 40 km/h several times, feeling for a rev flare then a jolt.
Why it matters: A rev flare followed by a hard jolt is uncomfortable to drive and a sign of a known sensor fault on this gearbox; left alone it can progress to a car that will not start, so it is worth confirming on the test drive rather than after buying.
What to look for: With a torch, check both head-to-block joints for an oily or coolant seep, and open the overflow bottle.
Why it matters: A weeping head gasket on this engine tends to get worse over time and ends in an engine-out repair with both heads off; catching an early seep avoids being surprised by an overheating car later.
What to look for: Feel the plastic covers at the front of the roof rails for movement, gaps, glue or a loose click.
Why it matters: Subaru told MLIT that the roof rail front cover mounting was specified wrongly, so some of the cover's fixing claws are damaged when the rail is assembled to the body; the damage spreads, the cover develops play and can come off while the car is being driven, into the path of other traffic. The remedy replaces the roof rail front leg, so a cover that has simply been stuck back on is not the fix.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Feel along the side sill trim on both sides for a loose, lifted or missing section, pressing by hand only.
Why it matters: Subaru filed an improvement measure with MLIT stating the garnish mounting is not strong enough and that it can come off if someone steps on it getting in or out. On a seven-seat car that people climb into, this is the part most likely to be broken already, and it is a visible defect on a yard.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Lift any seat covers and check the outer seat cushion and backrest bolsters for cracked, peeling or split synthetic leather.
Why it matters: A worn or recovered seat is a cosmetic cost to put right, and a seat that has already been recovered can hide other damage or history underneath.
Got a question about a Subaru Exiga? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.