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2022 Subaru Outback: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Outback years.
One of the Subaru Outback years to avoid. All Outback years
463 owner complaints, most about visibility/wiper. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2022 Outback?The 2022 Subaru Outback has 463 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system. Owners most often flag infotainment system failures (6th gen: 2020-2025): buggy, laggy, unresponsive touchscreen, frequent crashes, screen delamination, connectivity problems with carplay/android auto. requires dealership updates or unit replacement.
Safety record for the 2022 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2022 Subaru Outback vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Outback years only. How we score it
Is 2022 a good year for the Outback?
Across the 30 Outback model years we track, complaint volume runs from 80 (1997) to 1,034 (2019). With 463 complaints, the 2022 Outback sits above the model's median of 230.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2022 Outback
engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)
Campaign 22V473000Subaru 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).
visibility:windshield
Campaign 22V712000Subaru 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."
power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Campaign 23V755000Subaru 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 24V227000Subaru 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term reliability is a core positive, with many owners reporting vehicles reaching 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, particularly for non-turbo models.
- Very frequentInfotainment system failures (6th gen
2020-2025): Buggy, laggy, unresponsive touchscreen, frequent crashes, screen delamination, connectivity problems with CarPlay/Android Auto. Requires dealership updates or unit replacement.
- RecurrentBattery premature failure
Batteries dying around the 3-year mark, potentially linked to start/stop system and parasitic drain. Known service bulletin (07-213-22R) for 2020-2023 models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Outback. See the full Outback owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Outback listings typically run $17,495–$25,992.
Other Outback model years
Compare every Outback year side by side to see how 2022 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Outback against its rivals
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