2022 Subaru Outback: common problems and reliability

The 2022 Subaru Outback has 453 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2022 model year

453
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
10
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2022 Subaru Outback vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2022 a good year for the Outback?

Across the 12 Outback model years we track, complaint volume runs from 95 (2003) to 1,028 (2019). With 453 complaints, the 2022 Outback sits abovethe model's median of 290.

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

visibility/wiper
253
electrical system
47
visibility
26
forward collision avoidance
23
engine
19

Recalls affecting the 2022 Outback

engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)

Campaign 22V473000

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).

visibility:windshield

Campaign 22V712000

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

power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch

Campaign 23V755000

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.

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 24V227000

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 pas

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.

  • 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT transmission concerns: Long-term reliability doubts, specific reports of torque converter and clutch pack failures requiring replacement under warranty, fluid migration issues in turbo models (TR690 transmission). "Lifetime fluid" claim is disputed. Frequency: very frequent.

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 $18,424–$29,686 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

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