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.
Two recalls concern occupant safety in a crash. A capacitor in the front passenger seat sensor can crack and short circuit, preventing the passenger airbag from deploying when needed. Separately, the windshield may not be properly bonded to the body and can detach in a collision, leaving occupants exposed. On the drivetrain side, water can enter the transmission's inhibitor switch through a faulty weld, causing it to fail and disabling both the reverse lights and the rearview camera image when backing up.
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
Dealers will replace the occupant detection sensors on the front passenger seat at no cost to you.
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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 →
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.
