Owners have reported 10 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2022 Subaru Outback. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints237
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the windshield spontaneously cracking, often without any apparent impact or external damage. These cracks commonly originate while the vehicle is parked, sometimes overnight, and can quickly expand across the windshield. Complaints often mention that these issues occur at mileage as low as 7,800 and up to 30,000 miles. Some owners also describe the windshield as being particularly vulnerable to small rock impacts, resulting in large cracks. Safety implications are noted, as some owners report that cracks can interfere with lane sensing and brake stopping programs, although no crashes or loss of control incidents are mentioned. This pattern of windshield failure could be a consideration for potential buyers evaluating the cost and frequency of windshield replacements.
Owner complaints39
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback frequently report electrical system failures, with common issues including dead batteries, stalling during the Auto Stop/Start feature, and infotainment screen malfunctions. Symptoms often described are the vehicle failing to start, the dashboard flickering, loss of power to safety features like adaptive cruise control, and the infotainment screen freezing or rebooting. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some reports as early as 3,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of stalling in intersections, three instances of fires, and one crash mentioned. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues when considering a used 2022 Subaru Outback.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 3 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints24
VISIBILITY
Owners report frequent issues with windshield cracking on the 2022 Subaru Outback, often without any apparent impact. Complaints frequently mention cracks appearing overnight or while the vehicle is parked, as well as during driving, with some attributing the issue to temperature changes or thermal shock. The typical mileage range when these issues occur is between 2,800 and 41,000 miles. While there are no reports of crashes or injuries, some owners note that the cracks can obstruct visibility, posing a potential safety risk. This pattern of windshield issues may be of interest to potential buyers considering a used Subaru Outback from this model year.
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback frequently report issues related to engine and transmission failures. Common symptoms include unexpected engine knocking noises and high-pitched whining from the transmission, often occurring without prior warning lights or messages. Complaints indicate these problems can arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with one report involving unintended acceleration leading to a crash and injury. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues and verify any recall repairs or maintenance history related to the power train before purchase.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report several issues with the 2022 Subaru Outback's forward collision avoidance systems. A common problem is the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system activating without cause, often resulting in the vehicle abruptly stopping, which occurs both on highways and in urban settings. These spontaneous brake activations have been noted by multiple owners, some mentioning it happening within the first few months of ownership. Additionally, some owners experience the entire electronic system resetting while driving, causing temporary loss of safety features and speed indicators. Safety implications include potential rear-end collisions due to sudden braking. Some owners also report challenges with the EyeSight system, particularly when non-OEM windshields are used, impacting the system's calibration and reliability.
Owner complaints7
STRUCTURE
Owners report issues with the 2022 Subaru Outback related to structural components, particularly concerning the windshield and sunroof. Windshield cracking is a recurring problem, with multiple owners describing frequent and early occurrences of cracks, sometimes within the first few months of ownership and at low mileage, such as 2,000 miles. Sunroof glass shattering while driving is also noted, with two instances where the glass exploded without apparent external impact, posing a potential safety risk due to falling shards. One injury is reported from a trunk door closing unexpectedly with force. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, especially concerning visibility and occupant safety from falling glass.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints7
ENGINE
Owners report several issues with the 2022 Subaru Outback's engine, including unanticipated acceleration and engine shutdowns. Complaints frequently mention the auto stop-start feature causing the engine to turn off unexpectedly, leading to situations where drivers must abruptly brake. Multiple owners describe engine overheating due to a faulty thermal control valve, with one report noting this issue at under 40,000 miles. Another owner experienced a crash attributed to sudden acceleration in a parked vehicle. Additionally, one complaint involves an engine-related fire after a loss of acceleration and oil pressure warning. Safety implications include crashes, fires, and loss of vehicle control, making these issues critical for potential buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving brake rotor and pad problems. Symptoms include excessive rotor warping leading to uncontrollable shaking of the vehicle, as well as a burning smell. Some owners note persistent issues with brake engagement, with two reports of crashes where brakes failed entirely, resulting in collisions. Complaints often emerge at varied mileage intervals, such as 10,000 to 44,000 miles, and some vehicles have been found to have air in the brake lines. These brake issues, including loss of control and crashes, indicate significant safety implications, which potential buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback report issues with the airbag system, including failures of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sensors, which cause the airbag warning light to activate and disable the airbags. Complaints frequently mention discrepancies with the passenger airbag sensor, which inconsistently recognizes the presence of a passenger, particularly affecting smaller individuals. Two incidents involve crashes where airbags deployed, resulting in injuries such as fractures, with both drivers being of small stature and seated close to the steering wheel. These patterns suggest safety implications, as the airbag system may not function reliably or could cause injury due to deployment force, particularly for smaller occupants. These issues are reported shortly after vehicle acquisition, indicating potential early-life reliability concerns.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2022 Subaru Outback report issues with unintended acceleration and pedal positioning. Two complaints describe crashes occurring at low speeds, where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while parking, resulting in collisions with a stone wall and a pole. These incidents occurred at mileages of approximately 700 and 13,947. Another owner reports discomfort due to the non-adjustable positions of the gas and brake pedals, leading to joint pain and difficulty driving. The lack of airbag deployment in the crash reports and the inability to diagnose the cause of acceleration are noted safety concerns.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
