Is the 2022 Subaru OUTBACK reliable?

The 2022 Subaru OUTBACK has 539 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: VISIBILITY problems.

What are common problems with the 2022 Subaru OUTBACK?

Top problems: VISIBILITY (279 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (86 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (46 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2022 Subaru OUTBACK?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM), VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2022 Subaru OUTBACK?

The 2022 Subaru OUTBACK gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2022 Subaru OUTBACK often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Subaru OUTBACK: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2022 Subaru OUTBACK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2022 Subaru OUTBACK is approximately $1,569/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2022 Subaru OUTBACK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2022 Subaru OUTBACK has 539 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 539. The most common issue is visibility problems (52% of all complaints), specifically: a little penny sized chip on the front windshield has turned into a severe crack from the middle of the windshield to passenger side as well as the the driver side.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.

7 fire reports 15 crash reports 2 injuries

539

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

VISIBILITY

279 complaints

52%

• A little penny sized chip on the front windshield has turned into a severe crack from the middle of the windshield to passenger side as well as the the driver side.
• My windshield cracked with out a direct impact to the windshield. I replaced the windshield with an OEM windshield, approximately one week after install the windshield cracked again. There is most likely a bad lot of windshields.
• The windshield cracked without an object striking it while driving. It cracked from the center lower edge of the windshield. This issue was part of a clas action suit in 2019.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“A little penny sized chip on the front windshield has turned into a severe crack from the middle of the windshield to passenger side as well as the the driver side.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2022 Subaru OUTBACK

Based on 44 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 14K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (4)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)01/07/2022

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).

Risk: A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2022 Subaru OUTBACK

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2022 Subaru OUTBACK

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,569

Full coverage / month

$131

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1569

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru OUTBACK Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2022 OUTBACK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 539 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
VISIBILITY: A little penny sized chip on the front windshield has turned into a severe crack from the middle of the windshield to passenger side as well as the the driver side.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: Vehicle was purhased in early June 2021. Vehicle was being operated on State Highway Route 55 at Milepost 46.7, in Elk Township, Gloucester County. Traffic was heavy, with southbound transient traffic traveling to New Jersey Shore points. Vehicle simultaneously lost power and began to display sev
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Vehicle was purhased in early June 2021. Vehicle was being operated on State Highway Route 55 at Milepost 46.7, in Elk Township, Gloucester County. Traffic was heavy, with southbound transient traffic traveling to New Jersey Shore points. Vehicle simultaneously lost power and began to display sev
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: (ADAS) R WAVE RADAR SENSOR/BLIND SPOT WARNING SENSOR. NO WARNING FOR THE STATIONARY OBJECT (TREE) BEHIND MY VEHICLE CAUSING A COLLISION. A REPORT WILL BE MADE TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP ONCE THE VEHICLE IS REPAIRED BY THE COLLISION CENTER. INSURANCE ADJUSTERS HAVE REVIEWED. NO WARNING LIGHTS, OR ANY S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)