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Subaru XV: FB20 timing chain cold-start rattle

FB20 timing chain cold-start rattle is a common engine fault on the Subaru XV on the 2012–2023 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $700 to $1,900 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 19 documented faults on the Subaru XV.

Vehicle
Subaru XV
Engine
FB20
Years
2012–2023
Fuel
petrol
System
Engine

This page covers the Subaru XV as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Subaru XV faults19 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What goes wrong

The FB20 2.0-litre engine fitted to all XV generations (GP 2012–2017 and GT 2017–2023) shares the same documented cold-start timing chain rattle as the Impreza. Subaru issued a TSB for updated chain guides. On the XV, the issue is compounded by the higher ground clearance and the fact that many XV owners use their vehicles in conditions that cause more frequent cold-start cycles. Chain rattle on cold start that persists indicates worn guides and potential for timing deviation at high mileage.

What you would notice

  • Chain rattle from engine front on cold start, lasting 5–20 seconds
  • Noise more pronounced after overnight park or in cold weather
  • Timing-related check engine codes (P0011, P0014) on high mileage cars
  • Rough cold idle with slight hunting

How to check it

Where to look. Front timing chain and tensioner behind the front timing cover

  1. Start engine fully cold and immediately listen for chain rattle from the engine front.

  2. Request chain/guide service history and confirm whether the Subaru TSB updated guides have been fitted.

  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Have OBD codes scanned.

Parts involved: Timing chain.

What it costs to put right

$700 to $1,900 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the timing chain or guides been replaced under TSB?”
  • “Does the engine rattle on cold start?”
  • “What oil viscosity has been used — has it always been correct for the climate?”

Now check the Subaru XV you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Subaru XV buyer questions

Is fb20 timing chain cold-start rattle serious on a Subaru XV?

We rate it major and common on the Subaru XV. The FB20 2.0-litre engine fitted to all XV generations (GP 2012–2017 and GT 2017–2023) shares the same documented cold-start timing chain rattle as the Impreza. Subaru issued a TSB for updated chain guides. On the XV, the issue is compounded by the higher ground clearance and the fact that many XV owners use their vehicles in conditions that cause more frequent cold-start cycles. Chain rattle on cold start that persists indicates worn guides and potential for timing deviation at high mileage.

How much does it cost to fix on a Subaru XV?

$700 to $1,900 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Subaru XV years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2012–2023 Subaru XV. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Start engine fully cold and immediately listen for chain rattle from the engine front. Request chain/guide service history and confirm whether the Subaru TSB updated guides have been fitted. If a workshop inspection is possible: Have OBD codes scanned. Look here: Front timing chain and tensioner behind the front timing cover