2022 Subaru Outback
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 807 |
| 2019 | 1032 |
| 2020 | 896 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 461 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
55% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 255 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving and I heard a crack on my windshield.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
11% of complaints: electrical system — 50 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 30 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the front of the vehicle, and the vehicle suddenly lost all electrical power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231106
Also filed under ENGINE
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210714
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASH6% of complaints: visibility — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.
5% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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).
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.
Campaign 22V473000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V712000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V755000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles.
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.
Campaign 24V227000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2022 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (255 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (50 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V473000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V712000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V755000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V227000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2022 Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2022 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.