2022 Subaru Outback

2022 Subaru Outback recalls (4)

• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

  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).

  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.

• VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

  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."

  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.

• POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

  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.

  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.

• AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

  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.

  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.

2022 Subaru Outback safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2022 Subaru Outback owner complaints (15)

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  On May 19th 2026 around noon time, while we (me and my wife passenger) were driving my 2022 Subaru Outback Touring (2.5L, non-turbo) in active congested traffic on our way to airport, the engine shut off as expected by the Auto Start-Stop system when I came to a stop. When I released the brake pedal to proceed, the engine failed to automatically restart. The vehicle became immobilized in a live traffic lane, creating a serious safety hazard with traffic backed up behind me and oncoming vehicles unable to predict my situation. No warning lights or alerts preceded the failure. After shifting to Park and pressing the ignition button multiple times, the engine eventually restarted. There was no prior history of stalling, no check engine light, and the battery and vehicle have been maintained per Subaru's schedule. This is a critical safety defect: a vehicle that disables its own engine in traffic and fails to restart on demand puts the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic at immediate risk of rear-end collision. The Auto Start-Stop system should never leave a vehicle stranded in a live roadway. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have/have not yet taken the vehicle to a Subaru dealer for diagnosis.

• POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle then failed to accelerate or drive forward. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved excessively to approximately 7,000 RPM, but the vehicle failed to respond. The failure reoccurred consistently after coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer was notified of the failure on several occasions but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,777.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

  On June 15th 2026, I was at a red light and the Auto Start-Stop feature shut off the engine. When light turned green, my car lost power and started rolling downhill. During this rolling downhill, the brakes stopped working, I was unable to engage parking brake, and I wasn't able to do anything except find a place to safely use gravity to slow the vehicle down. If the hill was steeper, this scenario could have been deadly. It was so scary, I called 911 for assistance but got lucky I was able to stop the car before there was an accident. It turns out the battery didn't have enough power to allow the vehicle to restart and if this happens when the Auto Start-Stop feature is engage you lose the ability to use the brakes. I spoke to the local dealership and acknowledge that is a problem.

• SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  This car has had 3-5 windshield replacements since 2022. I bought the car new. It (a) cracks for no reason or (b) cracks if a tiny pebble size rock taps the windshield. Additionally, I took the car in to get an alignment as the steering wheel is pulling left. Guy tells me driver front strut is defective / blown / poorly mounted and that he has seen this issue with a lot of Subaru’s. Also that they are aware of the problem and replacing the struts in the 24 and 25’s. Also, I already had to replace the starter, as the started went out after having the car for 2.5 years. Subaru seems to be selling lemons and I hope to be getting rid of mine soon.

• POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Recently, the 2022 Outback my mom drives has been having some strange electrical issues. About a year-or-so ago the battery in her outback died. Not unusual in Arizona. I replaced it with an upgraded AGM (Interstate) version—same group, same cranking power. No issues. Recently, after an oil change at the dealer, she called back to report that a “Check Engine” light had come on. She was told that she probably had not put the gas cap on properly. Gas cap was on properly; light went off the next day. A few days later the Auto Stop/Start (ASS) feature started acting up (not functioning). A few days later the ASS turned the engine off and did not restart automatically—in the middle of heavy traffic during rush hour. The ASS light came on. The engine started manually, and we got it home. Battery was dead the next morning. I charged it up and took the car to the local mechanic for a quick assessment. The battery was fine, charging, but the car threw a Code: P0871 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor Switch. This mechanic told us that there was a Technical Service bulletin through Subaru that addressed this issue but was also aware that it could be caused by the ASS killing the battery OR other electronic modules which fail to enter sleep mode—which would also cause random lights to come on. An appointment was made to take the car into Peoria Subaru, thinking it would be something they could diagnose easily. It had previously been in for the routine oil change with the inspection. When we dropped the car off, I provided the Advisor the code and a associated TSB for the code. We got the car back that day and were told the following: The tech found that the car currently has a “Aftermarket” AGM battery. Subarus require a “Enhanced Flooded Battery” which would explain multiple codes found for loss of communications and parasitic battery drain--for systems that don't go to "sleep" when the car is not running.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I was in start and stop traffic in the left lane of a fast highway. The feature that shuts the battery on and off when starting the car was turned on. Upon trying to move, the battery decided to die and I was stranded in traffic. I needed to get towed out of there and the car needed a jump.

• POWER TRAIN

  I have a meticulously maintained 2022 Subaru Outback LTD that has now had 3 out of 4 OEM installed wheel bearings replaced due to failure with less and/or near to 40,000 miles on the vehicle. The power train has a warranty until 2027, however, I felt that this is a recall worthy event and asked Subaru of America to either extend the powertrain warranty or replace the one remaining, original bearing. Case # 260430-1901212 They will not replace it after many email exchanges and escalations. Having had a older car with a bearing seizing and tearing off from the vehicle into oncoming traffic, I feel this warrants notification.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  while driving , simultaneously radio sound stops working randomly and cell phone connected to car play sound stops working

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  After highway driving for 50 miles, stopped for a red light. Engine died but all lights stayed on. Sat 5 minutes with dead engine and when I tried again, the car started. Drove 1 mile to next light and it happened again. Went to Auto Zone (it was a Sunday and dealerships were closed) and they tested the battery which was 100%. Two days later, drove car for 10 minutes then parked for errand; 15 minutes later, car wouldn't start. Let it sit for a minute and it started right up. This happened 8 months ago (engine died at stop light after having been driven 30+ miles) but Subaru dealership could find nothing wrong. Also, radio speakers randomly will blast so loud it startles and distracts everyone in the car.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Parasitic drain on battery. Can be available for inspection upon request.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while coming to a stop on several occasions, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the battery was functioning properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 36,249.

• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal oil-burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that there was an oil leak coming from the lower oil pan. There was oil dripping onto the exhaust system, creating a potential fire hazard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,400.

• POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission, and the vehicle was jerking while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was not available.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The component that failed is the cowl panel weather stripping/seal located at the base of the windshield on my 2022 Subaru Outback. The material is visibly peeling and deteriorating despite the vehicle having only approximately 23,000 miles. The defective component is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. While this issue has not yet caused a direct accident, it creates a potential safety concern due to possible water intrusion and degradation of sealing integrity in an area critical to protecting components beneath the windshield. Over time, this could lead to visibility issues, corrosion, or damage to surrounding systems. The issue has been confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealership, which inspected the vehicle. Subaru of America also reviewed the case in coordination with the dealership. Subaru of America has acknowledged that design changes were made to the cowl panel in later model years, but denied assistance for my vehicle. The manufacturer concluded—without providing specific evidence—that the failure was due to “outside influence and environmental factors.” The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, as no accident has occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior indicators before the failure. The deterioration appears to have developed prematurely under normal usage conditions. Given the low mileage, the visible material failure, and the existence of design revisions, I believe this issue is consistent with a premature failure and potential design or material defect, rather than environmental wear.

• AIR BAGS

  I am reporting a critical safety failure involving an improperly installed (wrong year) passenger-side airbag in my 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, which was negligently missed for nearly two years by multiple Subaru service departments. This is a pervasive life-safety defect and an extensive failure in manufacturer inspection protocols. Chain of Negligence: 1. Initial Misleading Certification: Shortly after my purchase, the vehicle underwent a "certified" multi-point safety inspection at a Subaru retailer in Ohio, which negligently certified the vehicle as safe with a critical safety defect present. 2. Systemic Dealer Misdiagnosis: Over the subsequent nearly two years, I took my vehicle to multiple other Subaru dealership service departments, actively showing them a persistent visual misalignment of the passenger-side trim. Despite active complaints, no dealership took the proper time to diagnose the underlying cause, and they missed the critical safety defect. 3. Discovery by Chance: Critically, there were no warning lights, messages, or other electronic indicators. The only symptom was the visual misalignment. The true cause was only traced back to the wrong part after I personally spoke with a Subaru parts department team member who was resourceful enough to figure it out. This finding was subsequently officially certified as correct by the service team at Mike Shaw Subaru, which finally provided documentation that the component was incorrect. Safety Risk: The incorrect airbag component poses an immediate and incalculable life-safety risk, as its deployment behavior is unknown and potentially compromised. This unaddressed safety risk was allowed to continue for nearly two years due to repeated inspection failures. Manufacturer Response Failure: Subaru of America has been formally notified of this systemic safety defect and the complete failure of their retailer network’s inspection protocols. After missing multiple self-imposed deadlines, they continue t