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).

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. The Outback is consistently praised for its pra

  • 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.
  • Driver's side window regulator failure — Window sticks open, especially in cold/wet weather, fails to close. Known service bulletin for warped channels/regulators. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Battery 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — Engines, particularly older 4-cylinder models (e.g., 2010-2012), noted for consuming oil. Requires regular level checks. Newer FB engines have cam carrier and oil pan leaks. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Outback.

Typical used price

Used Outback listings typically run $18,424–$29,686 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other Outback model years

2025 Outback2021 Outback2019 Outback2018 Outback2014 Outback2013 Outback2010 Outback2009 Outback2007 Outback2003 Outback1999 Outback
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