2022 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 463 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2022 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMar 22, 2024
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. 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.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Campaign 24V227000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switchNov 9, 2023
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Campaign 23V755000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshieldSep 22, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.
Campaign 22V712000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, engine control module (ecu/ecm)Jul 1, 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).
A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V473000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
86 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2023
As I was driving on a rural road going 45 mph I heard a sudden explosion in my car. I thought a bomb exploded in my car because there was glass all over me. When I looked up, I then realized the sun roof had suddenly exploded while I was driving. There were no other cars near me or people as I mentioned, I was driving on a rural road so no objects hit the sun roof window it just suddenly shattered on its own.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 13, 2023
I drove my vehicle on Saturday April 1, 2023 without incident. There was no occurrence anything hitting the windshield. I returned home and did not drive the vehicle again until Monday April 3, 2023. I went to the garage to leave for work when I noticed a 15 inch crack in the windshield. The crack originates from the leading vertical edge on the driver side. There is no visible chip or other damage that would indicate debris struck the windshield. The vehicle has less than 18k miles on it and is parked in a garage 95% of the time it is not in use. The crack has continued to spread since the first day and now covers half of the windshields length.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
this is the 2nd time in 2 months that my windshield randomly has a large crack in it. It is about 1 foot long starting from lower part of windshield. There is no marks that something hit the windshield no dings either. Had the windshield replaced approximately 1 month ago for the same reason. I there some type of defect with the car?
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 29, 2023
Windshield is stress cracking. I am on my 3rd windshield in about 1 year.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2023
Went out our Outback this morning and noticed a crack in the windshield. The crack originates from the drivers side edge of the windshield, at approx. the midpoint of the vertical edge of the windshield. I drove the car yesterday without incident. There was no crack in the windshield when I parked in the driveway yesterday, late afternoon/early evening. There does not appear to be a rock chip or impact crater at any point of the crack. The crack appears to have formed spontaneously without an impact to the glass.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2023
Minor pebble chip hit the lower area center of the windshield (with the sound effect of maybe small paper clip equivalent). Initial impact created a 3" crack, which spidered to about 36" in total within a few hours. Impact 12/7/2022. A minor impact should not compromise a windshield so significantly and so extensively and put passenger safety at risk with poor glass quality. Independent windshield replacement company has observed unusually high volumes of windshield replacements for late year Subaru Outback models. Windshield replaced asap 12/12/2022.
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2023
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness - 20k Windshield crack develop -Rain and wind, but no other cars / obstructions visible, defroster on, loud bang sound, windshield shows 8” x 5” curving crack near rear view mirror. -No impact / dent / uneven indentations visible.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2023
The windshield on out 2022 Subaru Outback cracked at 4200 miles. Car was traveling at 55 miles per hour and outside temperature was about 45 degrees. No other cars in sight. Nothing hit the windshield. Had been driving for about a half hour. Dealer would not replace window for no charge. Said they had never heard of this happening. However I looked on many Subaru forums and it appears to be a major problem.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2022
I walked out to my car in garage and there was a crack from the driver's side corner over 50 percent across the windshield. only 3k miles and NOT hit by a rock etc. windshield to be replaced and while waiting driving home w loud explosion...other side of glass has a huge break with no rocks or cars around.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 26, 2022
My outback was parked in my locked garage over night temp got below 40 degrees that night. Got into the outback and noticed a large crack in the center of windshield that started at lower end of windshield. Called dealership and made an appointment saw service manager and took his pen to show me where he thought a stone had chipped windshield but I just saw the crack no chip. I explained there was never any incident of stone hitting windshield. He stated he would notify Subaru manufacturer of my concern of breakage. Since appointment windshield has continued to crack still waiting to hear back from dealership.
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2022
The windshield on our 2022 Subaru Outback with less than 2000 miles was hit by a small object. The windshield chipped and then cracks began to expand. Small projectiles hit windshields all the time yet don't break like Subaru windshields. Subaru will not cover this under warranty and the repair will cost us over $1200 (front cameras need to be realigned). The reason we are reporting this is that our old 2015 Subaru Outback required the windshield to be replaced 4 TIMES in less than 8 years. Obviously this is a defect that Subaru knows about as they extended the warranty for windshields on previous year models, but only for certain defects that started at the top of the windshield. From our perspective this is an unsafe manufacturer defect that needs to be addressed.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2022
Windshield cracked while driving did not see anything large object hit
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2022
While stopped in a line at a drive through the vehicles automatic shutoff (fuel savings feature) engaged. When the brake is released the car completely shut down, including all computer, dash and vehicle lights. The cars transmission was in Drive and could not be placed in Park in an attempt to restart the vehicle. After several minutes the car shifted to Park and was able to be restarted after more than one attempt. I exited the very busy parking lot and proceeded to my place of work approximately a half mile away which is a safer location. Each time the brake was depressed the automatic shutoff would attempt to engage immediately, fearing a shutoff/failure in a major intersection I "feathered" the brake to keep engine running. Upon reaching my place of work parking lot and placing the vehicle in Park I was able to disengage the feature. This vehicle has been plagued with issues, it currently has very low miles (less than 5000) and is one year old. It had a battery failure at 600 miles, and has had several issues since that time with the vehicle not starting. Fortunately these issues occurred out of traffic but the latest incident could prove hazardous if it occurred in traffic. When the vehicle diagnostics are run it shows "Normal" and the problem remains unresolved. I have also noted hesitation with the shifting during acceleration from day one of owning the vehicle. It does not shift smoothly and will often hesitate which can pose a danger if attempting to avoid an accident. I have learned to compensate for the issue when pulling into traffic, especially if rapid acceleration is needed. Again, the vehicle diagnostics do not show an issue and the problem remains unresolved.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2022
I parked the vehicle on 8/5/22 in the evening and noticed a crack in the windshield 18" long starting from the edge of the glass on 9/6/22 in the morning. There are no impact chips from rocks or any other signs of damage such as a tree branch falling on the windshield. The temperature overnight was is the upper 50s.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
Spontaneous windshield crack. Crack went from drivers side edge of glass horizontally across approximately 2/3 of the windshield. After approximately 2 days, the crack began to seperate, it was nearly a 1/4" wide by the time it was replaced. There was no obvious sign of an impact, I assumed there had been an impact, but am concerned of an actual defect as I am hearing reports of this spontaneous cracking becoming more common.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
I have only had this vehicle for 11 months and I’m about to have the windshield replaced for the second time. This poses a serious safety risk on any road and especially highways. If the crack spreads to the vehicle Eye Sight area then the function will shut off, causing further problems on the highway in regards to cruise control and emergency braking. The Outback vehicles are known for having weak windshields and the manufacturer has recalled some model years.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2022
Windshield crack. With just under 3000 miles on our 2022 Subaru Outback while driving home, my wife noticed a small crack on the windshield near the "Eye sight" cameras which I could not see from the driver side. By the time I could finally pull over and look at this it had grown to over a foot long or longer. Prior to owning this Subaru, we helped our Daughter with the purchase of her first Subaru, a 2020 Subaru Crosstek Hybrid. She has already had to have her windshield replaced due to a small chip which grew into a long unrepairable crack. Prior to owning a Subaru, I owned a 2007 Chevrolet Impala for over 14 years. Just before selling it this past year I had to replace the windshield on this car. Not sure what the cause of the crack was but I suspect it was vandalism. I'm reporting this as I've heard others having this problem as well and was concerned that maybe there was a problem with Subaru windshields.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 23, 2022
There is a defect in the windshield. I’ve replaced the windshield twice. The first time a rock hit it and it caused the entire windshield to crack. I got the windshield replaced and a week later it cracked again. I replaced it again and 30 minutes later it happened again. My father in law has an Outback as well with the same issue. I also have a colleague with the same exact model vehicle with the same issue. I researched online and there are many owners that have complained about the same thing. When I talked to the dealership where the car was purchased the salesman seemed to have heard about the issue before. The windshield repair shop also said that there are a lot of Subarus that come through the shop with the same issue. I’ve had rocks hit my windshields in past vehicles and I have never seen them crack and spiderweb in this way. It is obvious to me that there is a flaw in the design or manufacturing of these particular windshields.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2022
The glass sheet on the vehicle’s sunroof spontaneously exploded while I was driving on the freeway. Some broken shards fell onto myself and into the cabin as the interior pull cover was in the open position at the time of the explosion. Luckily no additional passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the incident. I was in shock as I heard and felt the explosion. As broken shards were falling onto me and into the cabin, I thought I was a victim of an intentional freeway shooting or an unlucky recipient of a stray bullet. After realizing I was unharmed, I immediately drove my car to a trusted Subaru dealership for further investigation of the damage. At the time, the dealership did not have the appropriate personal on site for an investigation, however a service associate took photos of the damage. The service associate also observed and noted the position of some glass remains still in tact on the sunroof frame - some broken edges were positioned at an outward angle in relation to the vehicle. This is an indication of an outward explosion rather than an impact from outside of the vehicle. I am currently waiting for the dealership’s response to have the car brought back in to complete the investigation w/ the appropriate personal.
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2022
While driving, the radio volume suddenly increases to extremely loud. Not only is this dangerous and extremely distracting for the driver, but it is potentially harmful to everyone in the vehicle. My immediate reaction when this occurs ( it happens frequently) is to focus on the radio and off of the road, regardless of whether I am driving low speed or high speed on an interstate, or even when I’m turning at an intersection. Very dangerous! There are no warnings prior to the “full blast” of volume.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 28, 2022
Windshield failed while car sitting in driveway. No impact found on windshield. Took to a dealership where they refused to acknowledge that it was not caused by impact and would not replace. Having to spend $1000 to fix a defect on vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2022
Windshield was struck by a very small pebble. The windshield cracked at the point of impact, and spread into over a foot long crack.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022
Windshield cracked in first 50 miles.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2022
Seems the Windshield on the Subaru Wilderness Outback cracks with the slightest rock hit. Inquiry on an online Subaru Wilderness forum, it seems the cracking of these windshields occur quite frequently. Thought Subaru resolved in the class action around their 2015-2016 models. Apparently not.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2022
Car windshield developed 15 in crack overnight,parked in the garage...I think the windshield is part of vehicle integrity...dealer said a stone must have caused the crack....nothing hit the windshield as far as I'm concerned..I would have heard somthing....vehicle had approx 600 miles on it...had to claim the cracked windshield with my insurance company...My insurance should not have had to cover this....subaru has defective windshields and has for years...DO SOMETHING