VehicleVerdict

2022 Subaru Legacy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2022 Subaru Legacy is among the quieter years of the Legacy on NHTSA's books: 41 complaints (54% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 42% of all reports (17 of 41), far ahead of other at 8. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

41

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Legacy years?

Legacy NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted248 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 103 complaints1991: 121 complaints1992: 66 complaints1993: 90 complaints1994: 67 complaints1995: 230 complaints1996: 161 complaints1997: 179 complaints1998: 155 complaints1999: 119 complaints2000: 119 complaints2001: 90 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 55 complaints2005: 248 complaints2006: 135 complaints2007: 45 complaints2008: 83 complaints2009: 75 complaints2010: 218 complaints2011: 234 complaints2012: 119 complaints2013: 84 complaints2014: 73 complaints2015: 232 complaints2016: 192 complaints2017: 140 complaints2018: 161 complaints2019: 142 complaints2020: 143 complaints2021: 43 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 12 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Legacy NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Legacy years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Subaru Legacy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers1741%
Other820%
Driver Assistance615%
Electrical System37%
Speed Control25%
Airbags12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Engine12%

Does the 2022 Subaru Legacy have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V227000AirbagsMarch 22, 2024 · 118,723 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.

23V755000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 95,830 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

Consequence

An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while at a standstill the windshield cracked without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the windshield replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 23, 2022

“While attempting to restart the battery, and upon opening the hood of the vehicle, an explosion occurred, causing a fire under the hood between what we believe to be the AC pipe and the battery/fuse box terminals. The car was not on, but we did notice that there appears to be a hole in the pipe…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 21, 2021 · fire

“After a small pebble hit my windshield, an extremely large crack appeared and grew within moments of the impact. It has spiderwebbed all over the windshield and obstructed the vehicle's EYESIGHT cameras. A second impact within a few days has done the same right in front of the driver's seat. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 18, 2023

“The contact leased a 2022 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that condensation was leaking onto her foot. While driving, water entered the vehicle and caused the rugs, radio, and amplifier to become wet. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that water had entered the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 30, 2023

“The contact owned a 2022 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving into their driveway at unknown speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated forward. The contact placed the vehicle in reverse, however, the vehicle continued to accelerate independently, and the contact's rear bumper…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 17, 2024 · crash

2022 Subaru Legacy — common questions

Is the 2022 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 41 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Legacy year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2022 Legacy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (17 complaints), other (8 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints).

Does the 2022 Subaru Legacy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Legacy years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Legacy years to avoid are 2005, 2011, 2015, 1995, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2018, 1996, 1998, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2006, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Legacy years belongs to 1989.

How safe is the 2022 Subaru Legacy?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Subaru Legacy earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.