Parts for your 2020 Subaru Xv-Ignition coils

2020 Subaru XV ignition coils — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Subaru’s factory service information for MY2020 XV/Crosstrek with the FB20-series petrol boxer, the Subaru parts catalogue for MY2020, and major ignition manufacturers’ application guides (e.g., NGK/NTK), the 2020 Subaru XV uses individual coil-on-plug ignition coils — one per cylinder. The AU/NZ e-Boxer hybrid variant also retains four coil-on-plug units because it still runs a spark-ignition petrol engine. So, ignition coils are absolutely relevant to this model.

An ignition coil’s job is straightforward but critical: it takes the 12-volt supply and steps it up to the tens of thousands of volts needed to fire each spark plug. On the XV’s FB20, each coil sits directly on a plug under the bonnet, which keeps the spark strong and timing precise. Good coils help the XV start smartly on cold mornings, run smoothly around town, and sip less fuel on long Kiwi and Aussie road trips.

Coils aren’t a routine “every-service” replacement item like oil or filters. Subaru schedules spark plugs roughly every 100,000 km for iridium types, and coils are generally replaced only if they fail or test out of spec. That said, it’s wise during regular servicing to check for early warning signs and keep the coil area clean and dry.

• Common symptoms of a weak or failing coil: rough idle, hesitation under load, increased fuel use, hard starting, and a check engine light (often misfire codes P0300–P0304).
• Simple care tips: avoid pressure-washing the engine bay, keep the coil boots free of oil from any rocker cover seepage, and refit connectors until they positively “click.”
• If removing coils for plug changes: label connectors, use a gentle twist to free the boot, and apply a light smear of dielectric grease to the inside of the boot only (never on the plug tip).

When a coil does fail, replace it with a quality OEM or equivalent unit. Many techs recommend replacing only the faulty coil, unless the vehicle has high kilometres or multiple coils show similar degradation. After fitting, clear any stored fault codes and road test to confirm smooth running. For owners who prefer a set-and-forget approach, a proactive replacement around the second plug change (e.g., 200,000 km) can reduce the chance of an inconvenient misfire on a long haul.

How many ignition coils does a 2020 Subaru XV have?

It has four, one per cylinder. The XV’s FB20 boxer engine uses a coil-on-plug design, so each spark plug gets its own dedicated coil. This setup improves spark energy and reliability compared with older shared-coil systems.

When should the ignition coils be replaced on a 2020 XV?

They’re not a scheduled wear item. Replace a coil if there are misfire symptoms, related fault codes, or it fails testing during diagnosis. Many owners simply inspect coils at each service and change them only as needed, typically alongside spark plug maintenance at higher kilometres.

Are the ignition coils different on the e-Boxer hybrid XV?

The e-Boxer still runs the same basic FB20 petrol engine architecture and uses four coil-on-plug units. While part numbers can vary by build date and market, function and maintenance are essentially the same as non-hybrid XV models.