The Lemon Index2022 Subaru Outback.
The 2022 Subaru Outback is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 432 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 239, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 24 to 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 465 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Outback year. 2022 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 36K miles on the car (39 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- visibility complaints mostly came at 3K–20K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2024
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- visibility 2022
The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
Show all 4 recalls
- engine 2022
The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 405 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
- This Service Information Bulletin involves DTC U0254 Lost Communication with Remote Control…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
2022 Subaru Outback is new as of June 2021. 2 times I have had to get a jump start. No light were left on and doors and hatchback closed
2022 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 11426401
More owner reports
Windshield cracks from a very small pebble. The whole driver side. Windshield is defective. Has not been inspected yet.
NHTSA complaint 11512293
Windshield requires replacement with slightest rock hit to it- (2) replacements in first six months of car ownership
NHTSA complaint 11673020
Quick answers
Is the 2022 Subaru Outback reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 239; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2022 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (58%), electrical (9%) and automatic emergency braking (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2022 Subaru Outback get?
24 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2022 Subaru Outback safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2022 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,800 and 36,200 miles. The middle report was at 13,900 miles, from 39 complaints.
Does the 2022 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2022 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 Subaru Outback have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2022?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works