Parts for your 2013 Subaru Xv-Ignition coils

2013 Subaru XV ignition coils – what they do and when to replace them

Based on Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2013 XV/Impreza GP platform (Ignition System section) and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue, the 2.0‑litre FB20 petrol engine uses a direct coil‑on‑plug setup with four individual ignition coils. Workshop databases such as Autodata/AllData also list primary/secondary circuit diagnostics (P0351–P0354) for these coils. So yes—ignition coils are fitted and absolutely relevant on the 2013 Subaru XV.

On this model, each ignition coil sits directly on its spark plug under the bonnet, turning the battery’s 12 volts into the tens of thousands needed to jump the plug gap. Going coil‑on‑plug trims high‑voltage losses, tightens spark timing, and helps the XV run smoother, cleaner, and more efficiently—especially under load and during cold starts.

Coils aren’t a scheduled replacement item, but they live in a hot engine bay and age with heat cycles. Tell‑tales of a failing coil include rough idle, hesitation on hills, poor fuel economy, and a flashing check engine light. Common fault codes are P0301–P0304 (cylinder misfires) and P0351–P0354 (coil circuit faults). Oil inside a plug tube—often from a rocker cover tube seal—can also damage a coil boot, so any oil contamination needs sorting before refitting.

Best practice during servicing is to inspect coils whenever the spark plugs are changed (around the 100,000‑km mark in many markets, per the maintenance schedule). Look for cracked housings, swollen or oil‑soaked boots, green corrosion on terminals, or heat‑browned plastics. If one coil fails at higher kilometres, it’s fine to replace the single unit, however, if misfires have popped up across different cylinders over time, replacing the full set can save repeat labour and roadside grief.

• Work on a cool engine and disconnect the battery.
• Remove the engine cover, unplug the coil connector, and undo the small hold‑down bolt.
• Twist and lift the coil straight off the plug, avoid yanking on the connector.
• Check plug tubes for oil, fix leaks before reinstalling.
• Refit with a light smear of dielectric grease on the boot and tighten to the manufacturer’s spec.
• Clear codes with a scan tool and road‑test.

Quality, OE‑equivalent coils pair best with the XV’s ECU strategy. For long trips across Aus or NZ, keeping a spare coil in the boot isn’t a bad shout—cheap insurance when you’re far from a parts counter.

Popular questions

Does the 2013 Subaru XV use ignition coils or a distributor?
The 2013 XV uses four individual coil‑on‑plug ignition coils—no distributor. Each coil fires its own spark plug under ECU control, improving reliability and spark accuracy compared with older distributor systems.

How long do ignition coils last on a 2013 XV?
Many last well past 150,000 km, but heat and oil contamination can shorten their life. They’re not a routine service item, replace only when symptoms or diagnostics point to a fault, or consider a set if multiple coils have failed over time.

Is it okay to drive with a bad ignition coil?
It’ll often run, but it’s not recommended. A misfiring cylinder can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, waste fuel, and leave the car down on power. It’s smarter to diagnose and fix the coil promptly.