Parts for your 2022 Subaru Xv-Radiator cap

2022 Subaru XV radiator-cap — what it does, where it is, and how to look after it

Based on Subaru’s technical literature for the FB20-powered XV/Crosstrek (Owner’s Manual cooling system section and the Cooling System chapter of the Subaru Service Manual), the 2022 Subaru XV absolutely uses a pressure-type radiator cap. On this model the cap is mounted on the engine’s pressurised coolant filler/header tank rather than on the radiator core itself. Subaru documents describe checking and testing the “radiator/coolant filler tank cap” with a cap tester and specify the correct pressure rating for replacement. So while the radiator may not have a visible cap on the top tank, the system still relies on a proper radiator-cap to control pressure and coolant flow.

On the 2022 Subaru XV, that cap’s job is to keep the cooling system at the right pressure so coolant boils later and heat is carried away efficiently. It also manages coolant movement to and from the overflow bottle as temperatures swing, thanks to the cap’s dual valves. A healthy cap helps prevent overheating on a summer run up the Hume or the Desert Road and stops hoses collapsing as the engine cools down.

For servicing, the cap should be inspected at regular service intervals. Subaru’s service guidance calls for checking the seal faces, spring action and pressure-hold using a cap tester. If there are cracks, swollen or hardened rubber seals, rusty deposits, or it fails a pressure test, it’s time to replace it. Always match the specified pressure rating for the XV’s FB-series engine (commonly around 108 kPa/1.1 bar on many trims, check the under-bonnet label or parts catalogue for the exact rating).

• Only open the cap when the engine is stone cold. Twist to the first stop to bleed pressure before removing fully.
• Top up at the pressurised filler/header tank, not the radiator, and keep the overflow bottle between MIN and FULL when cold.
• Use genuine Subaru or high-quality equivalent caps, a wrong rating can cause chronic overheating or coolant loss.

Typical warning signs of a crook cap include gradual coolant loss with no obvious leaks, overheating at highway speeds, a collapsed upper hose after cool-down, gurgling sounds, or stains around the filler neck. If any of that shows up, a fresh cap is cheap insurance for the XV’s alloy heads and water pump. During coolant changes, replacing the cap is a smart add-on, especially if the old one’s more than a few years old.

• Where is the radiator cap on a 2022 Subaru XV?
  It’s on the pressurised coolant filler/header tank near the top of the engine bay, not on the radiator itself. Look for the metal cap marked with a pressure rating and a “Do not open when hot” warning.
• What pressure cap does the XV use?
  Most 2022 XV models run a cap around 108 kPa (1.1 bar), but owners should confirm via the cap’s stamping, the under-bonnet label, parts catalogue, or workshop manual for their exact variant.
• How often should the cap be replaced?
  There’s no strict time limit, but it should be tested at service time and replaced at the first sign of seal wear, corrosion, or a failed pressure test—often every few years or whenever the coolant is renewed.