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2022 Subaru Outback VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2022 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 435 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (237), Unknown Or Other (73), Electrical System (39).

Outback reliability snapshot

67/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$607
Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg
#10/26
Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 62% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Subaru Outback before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2022 Subaru Outback issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Visibility Wiper237
  • Unknown Or Other73
  • Electrical System39
  • Visibility24
  • Power Train10
  • Forward Collision Avoidance8

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2022 Subaru Outback

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips, especially near edges
  • Test infotainment system for freezing or frequent reboots
  • Check battery health and test for power drain issues
  • Verify transmission shifts smoothly without noise
  • Ensure all safety features are operational, including EyeSight
  • Test brakes for smooth engagement and absence of vibration

2022 Outback recalls (4)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2022 Outback. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024

    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.

  2. POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023

    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.

  3. VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V712000Sep 22, 2022

    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.

  4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V473000Jul 1, 2022

    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.

Used-market value

2022 Subaru Outback resale snapshot

67.2%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$28,590median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2022 Subaru Outback on the road

147,262 2022 Subaru Outback units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2022 Subaru Outback stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2022 Subaru Outback

With a 73/100 reliability score matching the segment average, the 2022 Subaru Outback lands in the moderate range. This points to typical buyer risk for the class rather than a clear advantage or deficit. As year three of the current generation, it reflects a model that’s no longer in its first-year shakeout phase, but the data still shows meaningful owner-reported friction.

Complaints are heavily concentrated in visibility and wiper-related concerns, with smaller secondary clusters in miscellaneous reports and electrical-system items. That pattern suggests a primary trouble spot rather than broad, across-the-board weakness. Recall activity is elevated, adding some additional complexity to the ownership profile.

Overall, the data supports a moderate reliability risk level.

What you get in a 2022 Subaru Outback report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2022 Subaru Outback — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 Subaru Outback reliable?

With a 73/100 reliability score matching the segment average, the 2022 Subaru Outback lands in the moderate range. This points to typical buyer risk for the class rather than a clear advantage or deficit. As year three of the current generation, it reflects a model that’s no longer in its first-year shakeout phase, but the data still shows meaningful owner-reported friction.

How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?

4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2022 Subaru Outback. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2022 Subaru Outback problems?

The most-reported 2022 Subaru Outback problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (237), Unknown Or Other (73), Electrical System (39).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2022 Subaru Outback?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2022 Subaru Outback, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.