2022 Subaru Outback recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback and 465 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (255), unknown or other (87), electrical system (52). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–29 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2022 ranks #7 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (504). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger
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 train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
Visibility · windshield
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 cooling · engine · engine control module (ecu/ecm)
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
My Subaru often stalls when the start-stop function is happening such as when I stop at a traffic light. When I lift my foot off the break, the engine tries to restart, but stalls out. It happens at almost every stop. I had my battery tested and it is fine. This week, the car actually completely stalled out in heavy traffic and I had to put it in park and restart it.
Catastrophic motor failure at highway speed. I had just come of the Interstate 10 and stopped at the end of the off ramp. I made a right turn on to a 2 lane county highway and accelerated back up to 65MPH. As I attained speed, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was dead and the vehicle did not respond to my input. The oil pressure warning light illuminated, power s…
In September 2026, after a jump start, my vehicle's battery emitted a strong sulfur/rotten-egg odor, indicating overheating and overcharging. I was advised to shut it off immediately. The vehicle is now undrivable and parked, and I am concerned it presents a fire risk. This is the latest failure of a chronic electrical defect documented in the dealer's own repair orders since e…
Safety ratings
2022 Subaru Outback SW AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2022 Subaru Outback.
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Outback Wilderness AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger (03/22/2024). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Outback?
Based on 465 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (255), unknown or other (87), electrical system (52).
Is the 2022 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2022 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2022 a good year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2022 ranks #7 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (504). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2022 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings for the 2022 Subaru Outback range from 24 to 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2022 Subaru Outback in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OUTBACK, Outback.