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2022 Subaru Outback recalls & problems

The 2022 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recalls and 465 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper (255 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints465filed by owners
Crashes · fires10 · 4reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2022 Subaru Outback in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsMar 22, 2024

Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

Recall 24V227000118,723 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Power trainNov 9, 2023

Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 23V75500095,830 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
VisibilitySep 22, 2022

Windshield

Recall 22V71200042 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Engine and engine coolingJul 1, 2022

Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm)

Recall 22V47300015 vehicles

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

Components: Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm); Electrical system › Wiring

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2022 Subaru Outback SW AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk18.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2022 Subaru Outback NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Outback AWD

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Outback AWD

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Outback Wilderness AWD

24mpg combined
City / highway22 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Visibility/wiper255000—
Unknown or other87010—
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer5213025,000 mi
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings38600—
VisibilityWindshield; Power window devices and controls260006,750 mi
Engine2313020,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission1810113,927 mi
Lane departureWarning; Blind spot detection13104—
Service brakes10200—
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate7001—
Fuel/propulsion system6111—
Air bags6202—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.