Subaru Outback 2022 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2022 and 465 complaints filed by owners. It has 11% fewer complaints than the average Subaru Outback from 2016–2025 (524 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Outback 2022? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2022
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · 2024-03-22
What happens
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.
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 2023-11-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 22V712000 · 2022-09-22
What happens
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."
Consequence
An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 22V473000 · 2022-07-01
What happens
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).
Consequence
A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
465 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
10 with a crash · 4 with a fire · 6 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Outback 2022
- Wipers: 255 (55% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 52 (11% of complaints)
- Visibility (glass and mirrors): 26 (6% of complaints)
- Engine: 23 (5% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 23 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Outback 2022
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Check the windshield, defroster and mirrors.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Subaru Outback recalls by year
- 2016 : 4 recalls · 642 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 918 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 813 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 1,035 complaints
- 2020 : 6 recalls · 899 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 296 complaints
- 2022 : 4 recalls · 465 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 89 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 2 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 82 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Outback 2022 have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2022. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback 2022?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (255 of 465 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).