VehicleVerdict

2022 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 543 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Outback year — the 2022 model ranks #8 of 32 Outback years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 51% of all reports (279 of 543), far ahead of other at 85. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

543

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted1,282 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 57 complaints1997: 94 complaints1998: 165 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 172 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 404 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 281 complaints2009: 142 complaints2010: 466 complaints2011: 855 complaints2012: 367 complaints2013: 406 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 640 complaints2016: 769 complaints2017: 1,102 complaints2018: 986 complaints2019: 1,282 complaints2020: 1,126 complaints2021: 405 complaints2022: 543 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Subaru Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers27951%
Other8516%
Driver Assistance509%
Electrical System479%
Engine204%
Transmission163%
Brakes112%
Body & Structure71%
Airbags61%
Fuel System51%
Speed Control41%
Lighting31%
Seat Belts31%
Suspension20%
Steering20%
Seats10%
Tires & Wheels10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2022 Subaru Outback have recalls?

4 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.

22V712000Visibility & WipersSeptember 22, 2022 · 42 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.

22V473000EngineJuly 1, 2022 · 15 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).

Consequence

A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While parked and without impact from any object, the windshield cracked causing visibility issues for the driver leading to unsafe driving conditions for those inside and outside the vehicle. The problem is a common issue among many Subaru vehicles. The issue has been reported but not yet…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 6, 2024

“Vehicle was purhased in early June 2021. Vehicle was being operated on State Highway Route 55 at Milepost 46.7, in Elk Township, Gloucester County. Traffic was heavy, with southbound transient traffic traveling to New Jersey Shore points. Vehicle simultaneously lost power and began to display…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 10, 2021 · fire

“My brakes failed as I was pulling up to a curb as I attempted to break to put my car into park my breaks failed to engage. My vehicle is also equipped with emergency braking system that did not engage my vehicle crashed into and through a 7/11 while I was breaking the entire time manuall! The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 7, 2024 · crash

“Main Wiring harness / Main Electrical system malfunction, causing all dash lights to consistently be on. which in turn prevents all of the ADAS functions to no longer work. Vehicle has now been in 2 accidents which could have been prevented by these safety features. vehicle had had main harness…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 9, 2022 · crash

“Driving on the highway, engine started making a rattling noise, then began to labor and eventually stopped being able to accelerate at all. Oil pressure warning light came on around the time the acceleration gave out altogether. We pulled over to the side of the highway and got out of the car,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 11, 2025 · fire

2022 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 2022 Subaru Outback reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 543 complaints put the 2022 model at #8 of 32 Outback years. It is one of the Outback years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (279 complaints), other (85 complaints), driver assistance (50 complaints).

Does the 2022 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2022 Subaru Outback?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Subaru Outback 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.