2022 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2022 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

2022: 453 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	276
2007	129
2008	226
2009	105
2010	359
2011	649
2012	290
2013	295
2014	208
2015	505
2016	639
2017	917
2018	803
2019	1029
2020	890
2021	291
2022	453
2023	85
2024	89
2025	65
2026	8

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 56%

56% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 253 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 44 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

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, 20231106

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

VISIBILITY 5%

5% of complaints: visibility — 22 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 4%

4% of complaints: engine — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA ODI report, 20231106

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 4%

4% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2022 — complaint volume: 453

R 20220801 — electrical system, engine and engine cooling

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

R 20221111 — visibility

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

R 20240108 — power train

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

R 20250203 — air bags

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 (253 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (44 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for visibility issues (22 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

▲ 1996 ▲ 2025 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2017 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

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 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.