NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor may crack and short circuit, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
This page covers 4 recalls, 443 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2022 Subaru Outback.
26–29 mpg combined
8.1–9 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2022 Subaru Outback, the dominant complaint pattern by a wide margin centers on the windshield and wiper area. Owners frequently report that the cowl panel seal at the base of the windshield deteriorates, peels, and breaks down well before typical wear would suggest, many reports note this happening under 30,000 miles. Related complaints describe water intrusion and wiper system issues tied to the same area. The electrical system draws the next-highest complaint volume, with owners describing warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, occasional stalling at low speeds, and vehicles that restart without a confirmed diagnosis. Scattered reports mention transmission whining and jerking, an oil leak dripping onto the exhaust, and an isolated airbag installation concern, none of these appear with the frequency of the cowl seal and electrical complaints. The cowl weatherstripping deterioration is clearly the most consistent pattern owners describe across this model year.
443
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2022 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a damaged engine wiring harness that can cause a loose connection to the engine control unit, leading to an unexpected stall while driving.
A windshield bonding issue also warrants attention: an incorrect paint clearcoat applied during manufacturing can prevent the windshield from adhering properly to the vehicle body, and a windshield that is not fully secured can detach in a crash. On the occupant safety side, a capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor can crack and short out, which may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash, leaving that occupant without that layer of protection. Rounding out the list is a transmission inhibitor switch that can allow water to seep in and cause the switch to fail, which cuts off both the reverse lights and the rearview camera image when backing up, reducing what the driver can see behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor may crack and short circuit, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the occupant detection sensors on the front passenger seat at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld on the inhibitor switch allows water to enter and damage the switch, causing it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not be properly bonded to the vehicle due to incorrect paint clearcoat application, which does not meet federal safety standards for windshield mounting.
What the fix does
Subaru will exchange or repurchase the vehicle at no cost to the owner.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine wiring harness may be damaged, causing a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and engine control unit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.