2022 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2022 Subaru Outback: Excellent Crash Ratings, but High Complaint Volume for Windshield and Electrical Issues, Four Recalls Issued.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2022 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2022 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield Cracking/Fragility Numerous complaints and a recall (22V-700) indicate the windshield is prone to cracking spontaneously or from minor impacts, potentially due to insufficient bonding or material fragility. |
Medium | Common | 0-40000 miles |
| Infotainment System Malfunctions The infotainment system frequently freezes, resets, goes blank, or displays ads, impacting the functionality of the rearview camera, RAB system, and navigation, leading to driver distraction. |
Medium | Common | 0-30000 miles |
| Engine Stall/Failure Several complaints describe engine stalls, knocking noises, and complete engine failures, sometimes linked to the auto start-stop feature or a damaged engine wiring harness (recall 22V-702). |
High | Occasional | 0-60000 miles |
| Airbag System Malfunction Airbag warning lights illuminate due to ECU malfunctions or ODS sensor issues, potentially disabling airbags (recall 22V-701) and increasing injury risk in a crash. |
High | Occasional | 0-30000 miles |
| Electrical System Failures Intermittent electrical failures can cause the vehicle to stall, not start, or affect various components like the dashboard and starter. |
High | Occasional | 0-30000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Subaru Outback:
Over half of all complaints relate to visibility, primarily concerning windshield cracking and issues with the infotainment system affecting visibility features.
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, suggesting a range of miscellaneous issues or difficulty categorizing specific problems.
Frequent reports of electrical glitches, including infotainment system failures, battery issues, and vehicle stalls.
Issues with the Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) system and other forward collision avoidance features, often linked to infotainment system malfunctions.
Complaints about engine stalls, knocking, and complete engine failure, sometimes related to the auto start-stop feature or wiring.
Problems with the transmission, including an inhibitor switch recall (22V-703) affecting reverse lights and rearview camera.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Subaru Outback
Is the 2022 Subaru Outback safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Subaru Outback received excellent 5-star ratings for overall, frontal, and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has a high volume of 438 consumer complaints and 4 recalls, pointing to significant quality control issues, particularly with windshield durability, electrical systems, and potential engine stalls, which can compromise safety.
What are common problems with the 2022 Subaru Outback?
The most reported issues for the 2022 Subaru Outback are related to VISIBILITY/WIPER (234 complaints), primarily concerning windshield cracking and infotainment system malfunctions. Other common problems include general 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues (57 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM failures (22 complaints), and concerns with FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints) and ENGINE (6 complaints).
Are there any recalls for the 2022 Subaru Outback?
Yes, the 2022 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls. These include issues with the AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION (22V-701), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH (22V-703), VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD (22V-700), and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM) (22V-702).
How does the 2022 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Subaru Outback performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. It also received 5 stars for Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and 4 stars for the Rollover test.
Should I be concerned about the windshield on a 2022 Subaru Outback?
Yes, there is significant concern regarding the windshield. 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' is the top complaint category with 234 reports, many detailing spontaneous cracking or extreme fragility. Furthermore, there is a specific recall (NHTSA ID: 22V-700) for insufficiently bonded windshields on certain 2022 Outback vehicles, indicating a known manufacturing defect.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2022 Subaru Outback offers excellent crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the high volume of consumer complaints, particularly regarding windshield durability and electrical system reliability. Thoroughly inspect the windshield and infotainment system, and consider an extended warranty to mitigate potential repair costs for known issues and recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Subaru Outback. The data includes 438 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.