AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
2022 Subaru Outback
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 467 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Subaru Outback, most frequently naming the visibility, electrical and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 419 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2021 | 4 | 19 |
| Jan 2022 | 11 | 30 |
| Feb 2022 | 11 | 41 |
| Mar 2022 | 18 | 59 |
| Apr 2022 | 21 | 80 |
| May 2022 | 21 | 101 |
| Jun 2022 | 19 | 120 |
| Jul 2022 | 24 | 144 |
| Aug 2022 | 15 | 159 |
| Sep 2022 | 21 | 180 |
| Oct 2022 | 10 | 190 |
| Nov 2022 | 7 | 197 |
| Dec 2022 | 6 | 203 |
| Jan 2023 | 15 | 218 |
| Feb 2023 | 11 | 229 |
| Mar 2023 | 11 | 240 |
| Apr 2023 | 15 | 255 |
| May 2023 | 10 | 265 |
| Jun 2023 | 20 | 285 |
| Jul 2023 | 10 | 295 |
| Aug 2023 | 4 | 299 |
| Sep 2023 | 3 | 302 |
| Oct 2023 | 6 | 308 |
| Nov 2023 | 9 | 317 |
| Dec 2023 | 11 | 328 |
| Jan 2024 | 8 | 336 |
| Feb 2024 | 8 | 344 |
| Mar 2024 | 8 | 352 |
| Apr 2024 | 6 | 358 |
| May 2024 | 8 | 366 |
| Jun 2024 | 3 | 369 |
| Jul 2024 | 6 | 375 |
| Aug 2024 | 6 | 381 |
| Sep 2024 | 5 | 386 |
| Oct 2024 | 6 | 392 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 394 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 397 |
| Jan 2025 | 8 | 405 |
| Feb 2025 | 3 | 408 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 410 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 411 |
| May 2025 | 3 | 414 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 415 |
| Jul 2025 | 4 | 419 |
| Aug 2025 | 4 | 423 |
| Sep 2025 | 3 | 426 |
| Oct 2025 | 3 | 429 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 430 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | 432 |
| Jan 2026 | 3 | 435 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 436 |
| Mar 2026 | 3 | 439 |
| Apr 2026 | 3 | 442 |
| May 2026 | 5 | 447 |
| Jun 2026 | 6 | 453 |
| Jul 2026 | 5 | 458 |
| Aug 2026 | 4 | 462 |
| Sep 2026 | 2 | 464 |
| Oct 2026 | 1 | 465 |
| Nov 2026 | 2 | 467 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Visibility28061.7%
- Electrical5411.9%
- Driver assistance316.8%
- Engine245.3%
- Powertrain (other)173.7%
- Brakes112.4%
- Airbags71.5%
- Body & structure71.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Monday, November 9th at 3:20 p.m. The auto start stop feature shut the car off in traffic and it wouldn't restart. I had my 12 year old in the back seat. After turning on the flashers, I had to exit the vehicle and get a jump pack I had in the back. Then I raised the hood and jump started the vehicle. I wasn't to far from the dealership, so I took the vehicle in to buy a new battery. My factory battery is just over 4 years old. They informed me I needed an upgraded battery, which I purchased and installed myself. I also had to purchase a new battery sleeve, tray, and clamp for about $400. I will be filing a formal complaint with Subaru of America tomorrow as they have placed me and my family in danger yet again.
- NHTSA ID
- 11776880
- Incident
- Nov 9, 2026
Is available for inspection. Car would not start and lots of dash indicator lights turned on. Car seemed to have power as headlights worked fine and computer held power. Lots of clicking indicated starter was engaging and included an srs airbag system notice. A quick google search indicated a recall for this make and model but not my VIN. It described problema from humidity in cracked electrical systems and it did rain heavy throughout the night.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775843
- Incident
- Nov 5, 2026
My Subaru often stalls when the start-stop function is happening such as when I stop at a traffic light. When I lift my foot off the break, the engine tries to restart, but stalls out. It happens at almost every stop. I had my battery tested and it is fine. This week, the car actually completely stalled out in heavy traffic and I had to put it in park and restart it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11769442
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2026
Catastrophic motor failure at highway speed. I had just come of the Interstate 10 and stopped at the end of the off ramp. I made a right turn on to a 2 lane county highway and accelerated back up to 65MPH. As I attained speed, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was dead and the vehicle did not respond to my input. The oil pressure warning light illuminated, power surged back and was immediately lost again with dead pedal again. The vehicle would not respond to my input to accelerate and effected my ability to control it safely. I had to abruptly pull to the should and coast to a stop. Loud engine knock immediately occurred indicating catastrophic motor failure. The vehicle was immobilized and needed to be towed. I was fortunate the instant motor failure did not occur while attempting to pass another vehicle or any other maneuvers where I needed the vehicle to respond and move out of the way instantly.
- NHTSA ID
- 11768004
- Incident
- Aug 24, 2026
In September 2026, after a jump start, my vehicle's battery emitted a strong sulfur/rotten-egg odor, indicating overheating and overcharging. I was advised to shut it off immediately. The vehicle is now undrivable and parked, and I am concerned it presents a fire risk. This is the latest failure of a chronic electrical defect documented in the dealer's own repair orders since early ownership: • March 16, 2023 (4,985 mi): vehicle needed a jump start. Dealer tested the battery, said it passed, and blamed my driving habits. • May 16, 2023 (5,503 mi): vehicle again needed a boost. Battery failed the dealer's test and was replaced under warranty; dealer cited Subaru bulletin 07-213-22R. • August 4-8, 2025 (15,188 mi): vehicle again needed a boost. Battery failed the dealer's DCA8000 test (low CCA) and was replaced a second time. A dark-current draw test found the Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM) causing a parasitic draw (code B2A0C); the DCM was replaced. When I arrived to collect the vehicle after being told it was repaired, it would not start in the dealer's own shop. Subaru paid for the DCM repair as one-time goodwill while stating it was not covered by warranty. These repair orders understate the frequency: throughout ownership the vehicle needed a jump start roughly 80-90% of the times I used it, even the day after being driven, and I used roadside assistance several times. I believe this matches the known parasitic battery drain defect on 2021-2022 Subaru vehicles (control modules, including the DCM, failing to enter low-power sleep mode), the subject of pending class action litigation (Taylor v. Subaru of America, No. 2:26-cv-4935) and Subaru technical service bulletins. My dealer replaced the implicated module, the problem recurred, and the vehicle has now had an overcharging event that left it undrivable.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764582
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2022
During normal vehicle operation, the castle nut came off the control arm causing it to disengage from the wheel. It is currently with the dealer for inspection and service. They still have not confirmed if this and the associated damage will be covered under the extended warranty. I have also reached out to Subaru of America as this is a safety concern and is same as the recall on the 2023 model.
- NHTSA ID
- 11760978
- Incident
- Aug 26, 2026
My 2022 Subaru Outback Premium has had repeated intermittent stall/no-start events. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN, but the issue appears related to the fuel system, engine control, electrical system, or heat-related sensor/relay failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The first event occurred while parked: the engine shut off/would not start, while the dashboard and screen remained powered. After about 30 minutes, it started again. A later event occurred while driving: the engine suddenly shut off, but the dashboard and infotainment screen stayed on. I could not restart the engine for about 10 minutes. When it restarted, the vehicle would not accelerate past about 30 mph, suggesting reduced-power/limp mode. This created a serious safety risk because the vehicle lost motive power while in traffic. The vehicle was taken to a Subaru dealership. The dealer diagnosed the high-pressure fuel pump as failing and replaced it under the powertrain warranty. About one month later, the same issue occurred again while parked: the vehicle shut off, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, and it took several minutes before it would restart. The dealer then stated the battery was weak and replaced the battery. The new battery tested good after replacement. One week later, the issue returned again. A consistent pattern is that the problem occurs when it is hot outside and the vehicle has been running for more than one hour. The vehicle has been inspected by a Subaru dealership multiple times. The problem has not been reliably reproduced by the dealer, but the dealer previously confirmed a failing high-pressure fuel pump and later a weak battery. Warning lamps appeared at the time of failure, including multiple dashboard lights/check engine-type warnings after the engine shut off. There were no consistent warning messages before the stall/no-start events.
- NHTSA ID
- 11757581
- Incident
- Aug 17, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding the battery in my 2022 Subaru Outback. The original battery failed after only approximately 2½ years of normal use. This issue became a serious safety concern when my vehicle stopped at a traffic light at a very busy intersection and died. I was unable to safely move the vehicle and felt that I was in a dangerous situation because of the surrounding traffic. I was so concerned for my safety that I had to call 911 for assistance. After experiencing battery problems, it was determined that my Subaru Outback needed a larger, higher-capacity battery. This raises concerns that the original battery supplied with the vehicle may not have been adequate for the vehicle’s electrical demands. I do not believe a vehicle of this age should experience a battery-related failure that leaves the driver stranded in an active intersection and creates a potentially dangerous situation. I am requesting that Subaru issue a recall On model year 2022 Subaru Outback. Im requesting a reimburse for the costs I incurred as a result of replacing the original battery. Most importantly, I believe Subaru should address whether this battery issue presents a safety risk to other Subaru Outback owners, since a sudden loss of vehicle operation in traffic could potentially result in a serious accident. Unfortunately, the problem did not end there. Roughly a year and a half after the replacement battery was installed, I had to replace the battery again. Having multiple batteries fail within such a relatively short period of time makes me concerned that there may be an underlying issue with the vehicle’s electrical or charging system rather than simply a problem with the batteries themselves Thank you for your time
- NHTSA ID
- 11756543
- Incident
- Oct 19, 2024
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin announces a change to the troubleshooting tree when diagnosing DTC P2404 EVAP SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION PUMP SENSE CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE.
ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
This is an update announcement regarding the TechShare & NorthStar Integration - CVT Diag.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Service Information Bulletin announces Service Manual updates for the diagnosis of hands-free calling and voice recognition concerns.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This announcement provides information on the connected services platform for Subaru EVs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Service Information Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 47.8 |
| 2025 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 46.5 |
| 2024 | 106 | 0 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2023 | 89 | 2 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2022Viewing | 467 | 4 | 0 | 52.0 |
| 2021 | 300 | 4 | 0 | 49.7 |
| 2020 | 906 | 6 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 3 | 0 | 47.7 |
| 2018 | 816 | 3 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2017 | 921 | 4 | 1 | 54.9 |
| 2016 | 644 | 4 | 1 | 55.7 |
| 2015 | 510 | 5 | 1 | 56.6 |
| 2014 | 208 | 10 | 0 | 53.4 |
| 2013 | 297 | 12 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2012 | 295 | 16 | 1 | 58.3 |
| 2011 | 653 | 16 | 0 | 50.7 |
| 2010 | 360 | 18 | 0 | 49.4 |
| 2009 | 106 | 13 | 0 | 53.8 |
| 2008 | 226 | 8 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2007 | 131 | 8 | 0 | 52.9 |
| 2006 | 277 | 7 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2005 | 273 | 9 | 2 | 57.0 |
| 2004 | 90 | 11 | 2 | 60.9 |
| 2003 | 93 | 15 | 2 | 57.1 |
| 2002 | 143 | 5 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2001 | 171 | 4 | 0 | 53.1 |
| 2000 | 207 | 2 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 1999 | 111 | 1 | 0 | 44.8 |
| 1998 | 127 | 2 | 0 | 49.6 |
| 1997 | 79 | 4 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 1996 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 55.2 |
| 1995 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.