2022 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2022 Subaru Outback: 4 recalls, 465 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V473000 · 2022 · 15 vehicles
What's wrong: 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).
Why it matters: A loose electrical connection to the ECU May cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V712000 · 2022 · 42 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V755000 · 2023 · 95,830 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inoperative inhibitor switch May prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V227000 · 2024 · 118,723 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ods sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (255): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), electrical failure (3).
- Other / unknown (87): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), electrical failure (8).
- Electrical (52): the most common themes are electrical failure (32), stalls / loses power (16), warning light on (16).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (26): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2022 Subaru Outback has 465 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 32 Outback model years for complaints (1.5× the average Outback year). Complaints peaked in 2022 (184 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 13,947 miles. Neighboring years: 2021 (296 complaints, 4 recalls), 2023 (89 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2022 Subaru Outback.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2022 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2022 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners have filed 465 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (255), other / unknown (87), electrical (52).
What gas mileage does the 2022 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2022 Subaru Outback repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.