Thinking about buying a used Subaru Levorg (2014–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning suspension, engine, transmission, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
16
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$1,600
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Subaru Levorg faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Rear suspension knuckle and trailing arm rust perforation
CriticalOccasionalSuspension $800–$3,500 to fix
The VM Levorg rear multi-link suspension knuckles and trailing arm assemblies use steel stampings with factory paint that provides inadequate corrosion protection in NZ coastal and high-rainfall environments. Rust penetrates from inside hollow structural sections outward, starting at drainage apertures and welded joints that trap moisture. In severe cases structural metal perforates, compromising the dimensional integrity of the suspension geometry pickup points and presenting a safety failure risk. Early Japanese domestic market import examples are particularly susceptible due to NZ road salt and weather exposure following import.
Symptoms to notice
Visible rust bubbling or orange staining on rear knuckle or trailing arm surfaces progressing to paint perforation
Rear tyre camber or toe change not attributable to suspension adjustment, caused by deformed or perforated geometry pickup points
Structural rust perforation detected during NZ WOF or pre-purchase mechanical inspection, resulting in a failed inspection
What to check
Probe any surface rust with a screwdriver to assess depth — perforated metal will yield under moderate pressure. Check all hollow sections and welded seams for rust tracking. Inspect trailing arm to body mounting brackets and captive nuts for corrosion. This item is a common WOF failure point in NZ. If a workshop inspection is possible: Place on a hoist and inspect all rear knuckle and trailing arm surfaces with a flashlight for rust bubbling, paint lifting, or perforation.
Where to look: Rear multi-link suspension knuckle castings and trailing arm assemblies on both sides, inboard of the rear wheel hubs, including arm-to-body mounting brackets
Ask the seller
“Has the car had any underbody rust treatment or protective coating applied since import?”
“Has it passed its most recent WOF without any suspension rust advisories or failures?”
The new-generation 1.8 turbo (CB18 DIT) is direct-injected like its predecessors, so intake-valve carbon buildup is expected to emerge as these cars age and cover distance, bringing rough idle and hesitation over time. It is early days for documented faults on this model, but the injection design makes carbon a known future maintenance item. Ask about fuel quality and any de-carbon work.
Symptoms to notice
Slightly rough idle developing over time
Mild hesitation on acceleration
Gradually softer response
What to check
On the drive check for smooth idle and clean pull. Ask what fuel it has run on and whether any intake cleaning has been done. As a nearly-new car, service history and accident history matter more than wear at this stage.
Where to look: Intake valves on the 1.8 turbo boxer engine
Ask the seller
“What octane fuel has it been run on?”
“Is the full service history available?”
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14 more documented faults on the Subaru Levorg
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 16 documented faults for the Subaru Levorg, the recurring problem areas are suspension, engine, and transmission. A Subaru Levorg with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Levorg?
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We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Subaru Levorg, covering suspension, engine, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Subaru Levorg?
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Most single repairs on the Subaru Levorg fall between $600–$1,600 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 16 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Subaru Levorg?
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Yes. A Subaru Levorg inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.