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.

2022 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2022 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 465
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Visibility/wiper

Complaints per year

2022: 465 complaints

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	277
2007	129
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	292
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	918
2018	813
2019	1,034
2020	899
2021	296
2022	465
2023	89
2024	103
2025	81
2026	16

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

55% · 255 reports

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving and I heard a crack on my windshield.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13

Electrical system

11% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and speedometer/odometer.

CRASHFIRE

Show 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, 2023-11-06

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, 2021-07-14

My Subaru often stalls when the start-stop function is happening such as when I stop at a traffic light. When I lift my foot off the break, the engine tries to restart, but stalls out. It happens at almost every stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-06

Forward collision avoidance

8% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASH

Visibility

6% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.

Engine

5% · 23 reports

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2022Complaint volume 465 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2022-08-01Electrical system, engine and engine cooling22V473000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-11-11Visibility22V712000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-01-08Power train23V755000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-02-03Air bags24V227000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2022 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility/wiper: 255 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 52 reports on file for this year.
Forward collision avoidance: 38 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 22V473000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Recall 22V712000 · Visibility
Recall 23V755000 · Power train
Recall 24V227000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.